LEEMING residents’ decade long battle with the Southern Metropolitan Council’s waste composting facility has reached frustrating new heights, with the plant now producing noise above permitted levels.
The Canning Vale plant’s licence was revoked by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) in March due to ongoing odour complaints, but was allowed to reopen in May.
High intensity fans introduced to address the odour are thought to be behind the latest complaints.
Earlier this month, Jandakot MLA Joe Francis told State Parliament he had received more than 130 emails relating to the SMRC since March.
“Residents have to put up with not only the smell from this plant but also now the noise – a constant hum at a constant frequency 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” he said.
Ben Palmer, of Sellen Court, said the noise delayed him getting to sleep and was sometimes loud enough to wake him up.
Environment Minister Bill Marmion said the DEC had identified noise levels exceeded permitted levels and had required the SMRC to take action to address the issue.
“The SMRC has advised it would endeavour to ensure it met acceptable noise levels by September 21,” he said.
“DEC will take further noise readings in the residential area after the noise attenuation works have been completed (and) the results of those readings will be considered as part of any enforcement action.”
Barry Bailey, of Atkinson Gardens, said the SMRC had been given enough chances.
“It’s the middle of suburbia, there’s no place for it in a built-up area,” he said.
Mr Francis said SMRC had no credibility with the community.
“They are continually over promising and under delivering,” he said.
Mr Francis said if issues were not resolved by December 15, SMRC had agreed to shut the plant down.