Amcor Fairfield mill in Victoria, Australia, monitored for odors

MELBOURNE, Jan. 31, 2011 (Press Release) - EPA Victoria today commences five weeks of odour monitoring in the Alphington/Fairfield area as a result of community concern about odour from the Amcor Fairfield Mill.

EPA officers will be in the field six days a week for extended periods of time including from 8.30 am to 10.00 am each morning.

EPA acting chief executive officer Chris Webb said a targeted monitoring campaign will assist in determining the level and extent of the problem.

"We're concerned about the level of odour impacts on the community. This is a problem site and we are keen to see Amcor resolve the issue as soon as possible.

"Residents are encouraged to contact EPA as soon as they detect odour and by having officers in the vicinity for an extended period of time we can confirm the source immediately."EPA undertook a compliance inspection of the Amcor site before Christmas which revealed a number of issues which EPA requires to be fixed.

Mr Webb said EPA expects Amcor to make significant improvements to improve air quality for local residents irrespective of when the company intends to leave the area.

"The company has a duty of care to the community it operates in," he said.

"Amcor's future plans play no role in our commitment to hold Amcor to account in improving the amenity for the local community."

Under the Environment Protection Act (1970) the EPA has the power to fine and prosecute against individuals and companies. EPA fines range from $6,000 for companies and up to $250,000 for prosecutions at the discretion of the magistrate.

EPA encourages local residents to contact the EPA in the event of odour impacts by calling the Pollution Watch Line on 9695 2777.