Stench row chicken factory has a day to reveal clean-up plan

Sepa wants to see how 2 Sisters plans to reduce smells

A Perthshire chicken processing factory at the centre of a stench row has just 24 hours to submit an action plan aimed at curing the problem.

The release of odious smells from the 2 Sisters Food Group building in Coupar Angus has enraged scores of residents and the company is now under pressure to find a suitable solution.

Concerns were recently raised by neighbouring householders in the east Perthshire town, including claims that the smells were so bad some residents had to re-wash clothes that had been hung out, while others stated it was affecting their health.

These complaints led to an inspection of the site by investigators from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa).

The environmental watchdog issued 2 Sisters with a final warning and 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 deadline for submission of the action plan is tomorrow.

Yesterday, Sepa confirmed that they had not received the action plan from the 2 Sisters Food Group, leaving the under-fire company only 24 hours to lodge it.

There have been several complaints from residents since the final warning was issued to 2 Sisters, including a mother claiming she noticed “hideous smells” coming into her son’s bedroom when she opened his window on Sunday evening.

However, a 2 Sisters spokesman said they take all complaints “very seriously” and continue to work closely with Sepa to address concerns regarding odour.

He added: “It would be inappropriate at this stage for us to release our action plan before we’ve had the opportunity to share this with Sepa.”

John Swinney, MSP for Perthshire North, has taken a keen interest in the matter, and he said he wants a suitable solution found.

“It is very important that 2 Sisters fully address the issues raised by the local community and considered by Sepa,” he said.

“Members of the public are entitled to live in a quality environment and these issues must be addressed.”

Meanwhile, Coupar Angus resident Michael Gallagher received a response from the Environmental Agency in England to after requesting their views on scald tanks at slaughterhouses.

It said: “A lot does depend on the type of scald tank in use.

“Older designs of scald tank are like large open baths which give off plenty of (odorous) steam.”

“More modern scald tanks are better enclosed and release less steam and hence less odours.”

It is very important that 2 Sisters fully address the issues raised by the local community and considered by Sepa. JOHN SWINNEY

The 2 Sisters Food Group building.