An under fire Perthshire factory at the centre of a stench row has said a solution is in sight.
The 2 Sisters chicken processing company in Coupar Angus is confident their improvement plan will be in place by the September 30 deadline set by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
There have been followed scores of complaints from local residents concerning recent offensive odours at the site.
As a result, SEPA investigative officers visited the factory and issued 2 Sisters with a final warning. The environmental watchdog also ordered them to draw up an action plan to focus on four areas at the site suspected to be the main sources of the problem – its scalder units, feather/waste sheds, a tank farm and blood uplifts.
The 2 Sisters Food Group are now saying they are confident they will meet the deadline date set by SEPA.
A spokesperson for the company said: “September 30 is the deadline set by SEPA to submit a plan for addressing any odour issues that are uncovered as part of the investigation and 2 Sisters is working hard towards that deadline.
“Action will then follow from there.”
He continued: “We are aware that residents have raised issues about odours in the area and we take their concerns seriously. Our site management are working with SEPA and Coupar Angus and Bendochy Community Council to investigate the issues.
“We have also engaged a specialist company to work with us to help identify any sources of odour and develop relevant controls.”
SEPA revealed they have received further complaints from residents about odours from the east Perthshire factory but confirmed talks have taken place with 2 Sisters to find a satisfactory solution.
“SEPA officers have attended the site to carry out investigations,” a spokesperson said.
“We have been in contact with the factory management over a long period regarding control of these odours and have recently served a final warning letter on the company. We are in active discussions regarding an improvement plan which must include greater mitigation and control of all odour sources at the site.”
He added that SEPA has requested the implementation of improvements should begin at the “earliest opportunity.”
John Swinney, MSP for Perthshire North, said he “welcomes” the steps being taken by SEPA to try to address the problems at the factory.
“Clearly there have been a number of concerns expressed by members of the public about the 2 Sisters factory in Coupar Angus,” he commented.
“It’s good news that these issues are being taken seriously by SEPA.
“The 2 Sisters site is a significant employer in the Coupar Angus area and it’s vital that remedial action is taken to address these concerns. SEPA is working on a number of solutions to this and I will keep an eye on the situation.”
And Pete Wishart, MP for Perth and North Perthshire, added: “It would appear that the situation has not yet reached an amicable conclusion.
“I will remain in touch with SEPA going forward and I invite any residents with concerns to keep a note of dates and times and provide them to SEPA.”
