Nestlé invests in odour control at Purina plant
10 Mar 2016
Nestlé confirmed this week it was working on improvements to the processes at its Purina PetCare plant in Sudbury in a move to minimise odour.
The move coincides with complaints from a number of local Sudbury residents, according to environmental law firm Hugh James, which is investigating legal action on their behalf.
We have agreed to make further improvements to our existing processes in order to minimise odour releases
James Blake, communications manager at Nestlé Purina PetCare
According to Hugh James, the smell has been affecting the area for many years, leaving some residents unable to open windows and doors or use their gardens during summer.
“The evidence we have seen suggests that residents have been exposed to an unacceptable level of odour from the site,” said Gwen Evans, a partner at Hugh James.
“People in these circumstances are entitled to compensation for what they have suffered in the past, and potentially an injunction to prevent the continuation of this nuisance in future.”
Nestlé said this week it was undergoing a review of its processes.
“Following ongoing discussions with the Environment Agency and following a full technical review of our processes, we have agreed to make further improvements to our existing processes in order to minimise odour releases from the site,” said James Blake, communications manager at Nestlé Purina PetCare.
“These improvements will be made in 2016 and will ensure that the site remains compliant with the relevant environmental standards.”
He added that over the past two years, Nestlé had invested more than £1m in improvements to its odour abatement systems.
“While no abatement technique can remove 100% of odours, these investments have led to significant improvements in odour emissions,” he said.
Nestlé confirmed that solicitors Hugh James had been in contact, but declined to comment further on the matter.
