Annual report 2006-2007 - Taranaki Regional Council

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The final monitoring inspection was undertaken on 28 June 2007. It was noted that
product awaiting rendering needed better covers, as some bins had lids, although not
securely covered, while other bins were open. Some runoff from these bins had
escaped the bunded area, probably during washdown. This had not reached surface
water, but staff were reminded that this should be avoided. At the rendering plant,
little odour was noted. However, washdown had pushed solid fats and tallow
towards stormwater drains. This also had not reached stormwater, but involved the
same area as discussed in previous inspections. Mr Lester was told that improvement
in this area was needed, and he mentioned he would talk with the staff involved.
Collected blood had been spread to land, and in a couple of patches it was quite
thick. The worm farm was looking good, although with recent weather conditions it
was quite wet. It was intended to have the area windrowed again. Little odour was
noted from the ponds during the inspection.
2.4.1.2 Incident inspections
On 7 August 2006, an inspection was undertaken in response to an odour complaint.
An odour survey was also conducted, in wind conditions that were strong north to
north-westerly. Some intermittent odour was noted on 200m along Flint Road, with
noticeable odour noted on Monmouth Road. Onsite it was found that the main vent
to biofilter was opened at the time of complaint. It was thought that the pressure
release valve on this line may be allowing the uncontrolled emissions of non
condensable gases to air. However, at the time of inspection no objectionable odours
were detected beyond the site boundary.
Another complaint was received on 24 August 2006, and a subsequent inspection
found that paunches were being processed through the pre-breaker. This led to a
discharge of odour, which was found to be constant and objectionable at Monmouth
Road. The Company was issued an infringement notice for this offence.
The following inspection, also in response to an odour complaint, was made on 1
November 2006. This inspection found strong objectionable odours on Kahouri
Road. It was concluded that these odours were most likely generated through the
release of a cook, although some comments were made about main doors to the
building being open while a cook was being loaded. It was noted that modifications
had recently been made to the aforementioned pressure release valve. No further
action was taken following this inspection.
An odour survey was conducted on 8 February 2007 in response to an odour
complaint. Only noticeable odours were detected outside the rendering plant. The
site was not inspected.
Another odour survey was conducted on 20 February 2007, also in response to an
odour complaint. Light constant and noticeable odours were detected down wind of
plant on Flint Road. Also, odours on Monmouth Road, down wind of plant, were
intermittent and noticeable. Inspection of the rendering plant found the top doors on
the rendering building open, with strong localised odours present. Inspection of the
log and discussions with rendering plant staff found that a water trap on the base of
the cyclone was removed earlier in the day and resulted in uncontrolled venting of
non-condensable gas emissions to the atmosphere. The water trap and associated
pipes were blocked prior to venting of the cooker, but had been replaced at the time
of inspection. It was noted that the biofilter bed had been upgraded. During the