An Australian cheesemaker has been fined more than $9,000 ($8,405) for an unpleasant odor resembling “sour milk with earthy characteristics”. Authorities say the smell is terrorizing the area.
Yarra Valley Dairy, in the city of Yering, Victoria, was fined by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) after the company failed to comply with a letter of formal notice to prevent a strong odor from escaping the property.
EPA’s regional manager, Jeremy Settle, said the stench was “unreasonable” and strong enough to cause “discomfort” in the surrounding community.
“After a first judicial dispute in May 2021, the strong smell had to be prevented from being so dominant in the neighbourhood. But when EPA officers came to check for compliance in December, the smell was strong enough to cause discomfort when the wind isn’t up to you,” Settle said.
“The company had met some of the EPA’s requirements, but not all, and the stench was still there,” he said. That is why they were fined.
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