In a statement to Midwest News today, Aurivo Dairy Ingredients, based in Ballaghaderreen, acknowledges that there is a level of disquiet and concern locally relating to odours in the town.
It says it is taking the matter very seriously and apologises for it.
The statement goes on to state that “it is important to point out that Aurivo can only take action relating to odour issues it is responsible for in the area.
To that end and following on from a number of update meetings with local representatives that commenced last September, the business has invested €3.5 million in an extensive list of works to upgrade its effluent wastewater treatment system. This project has been underway for a number of months now, with the vast majority of the works due to be completed in June.
Extensive works underway at the site currently include: the installation of new control and monitoring equipment to improve the operation of the plant; the covering of tanks where odour may arise; and the installation of an odour filtration system.
The effective resolution of matters relating to its operations in Ballaghaderreen is of the highest importance to Aurivo Dairy Ingredients.
The statement cocludes “Aurivo’s site in Ballaghaderreen is in full compliance with its waste water discharge licence.
Yesterday Midwest News reported that an unpleasant odour wafting across the town of Ballaghaderren was causing some distress to residents and businesses.
The intense odour was said to be ongoing for days, but has been a problem locally for a number of months.
Many believe the smell is emanating from the Aurivo plant on the Dublin road in the town.
A number of local people had met with representatives of the company over recent months to outline their concern over the stench that they say is forcing many residents to keep their windows and doors closed.
Many locals have contacted the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) directly about the smell and urging that action is taken.
The EPA confirmed that it has received a number of complaints from people in the Ballaghaderreen area over the last number of days relating to an odour.
Midwest News contacted Aurivo in Ballaghaderren yesterday and we have received this statement in response today.
