Cranbourne’s SBI landfill can continue operating as normal despite being served with a suspension notice, after kicking up a stink with a tribunal.
Victoria’s Environment Protection Authority did not follow the appropriate legal protocols when it moved to suspend the operating licence of Stevenson Brothers Industries in the city’s southeast last year, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has ruled.
It follows a months-long investigation by the EPA after more than 1000 resident complaints last year about an offensive odour at the dumping site on Ballarto Road in Cranbourne.
The foul smell was understood to be hydrogen sulphide, caused by inadequately covered waste around March and the EPA confirmed exposure to the gas can cause health issues including coughing, headaches and nausea.
Residents likened the pong to rotten eggs, with some claiming it was so strong it was making them ill and impacting their quality of life.
Stevenson Brothers Industries has previously denied any wrongdoing.
The company is allowed to accept solid inert material used to make houses and furniture such as wood, particle board, carpets and foam.
Managing director Paul Williamson said the company accepts only construction and demolition waste, and commercial and industrial waste.
AAP has contacted the EPA for comment.
