Two sites identified as source of ‘Rodbourne Smell’
A report is expected on the mysterious stench next month, it has been confirmed.
People living in the areas of Swindon affected by a noxious “cheesy vomit” stink are convinced it comes from the Waterside Park waste recycling and processing plant – or very nearby.
More than 60 people attended a public meeting held at the Des Moffatt Western community centre to express their experiences of the smell and to urge councillors and bosses from Public Power Solutions, the council-owned company which ruins the facility, to do something about it.
But after a question from a member of the public at Thursday night’s Swindon Borough Council meeting, it has been confirmed that smell tests have identified Waterside and Thames Water as the sites of interest where the smell is more than likely coming from.
Further tests and analysis has been carried out by independent consultants Arup, and feedback is expected next week.
Responding to Mr Omkar Munagala, the Cabinet Member for Service Delivery Waste & Transport councillor Kevin Parry said: "It is correct that Arup have identified two sites of interest being Thames Water and Waterside. They have visited Waterside and carried out Sniff Test and were carrying out the same test in the vicinity of the Thames Water site.
“Next week I will be receiving the feedback from those tests. We expect testing to continue in to March and then a report will be produced towards the end of March.”
Coun Parry also confirmed that any identification by Arup of smells coming from either or both sites will then be passed to the Environment Agency (EA) as the licencing authority to work with both companies on an improvement plan.
He added: “My plan is to hold joint feedback sessions from the EA to Councillors on what action has and is required to be taken, and residents will be updated as and when we have concrete information to pass on.”