Thomas Lyons 
Aurivo, a dairy ingredients plant located in Co. Roscommon, has taken complaints about a potential odour emanating from its facility seriously. Residents of Ballaghaderreen have filed grievances with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the processor regarding a smell in the area. Last year, the EPA found that Aurivo was in violation of three emission limit values and that significant odours were emanating from the site.
The EPA confirmed that it is “aware of an odour in the Ballaghdereen area” and has received complaints about it. “EPA inspectors visited Aurivo Dairy Ingredients last week, our investigation into the odours continues,” they added. Aurivo acknowledged the concerns expressed by locals and stated that it is taking the matter seriously. However, the processor emphasised that it can only address odour issues that it is responsible for in the area.
In response to the complaints, Aurivo has invested €3.5 million in upgrading its effluent wastewater treatment system at the site. This project, which began last September, includes the installation of new control and monitoring equipment to improve the operation of the plant, the covering of tanks where odour may arise, and the installation of an odour filtration system. The company expects that the majority of the works will be completed by June.
Aurivo’s site in Ballaghaderreen is in full compliance with its waste water discharge licence. The effective resolution of matters relating to its operations in Ballaghaderreen is of the highest importance to Aurivo Dairy Ingredients.
The odour issue is not the first time that Aurivo has faced scrutiny from the EPA. In 2020, the agency found that the company was in breach of three conditions of its emission limit values. The company was ordered to take corrective action to address the issues identified by the EPA.
The odour problem has been a source of frustration for residents of Ballaghaderreen. Last year, locals staged a protest outside the Aurivo plant, calling for the company to address the issue. The protest followed a similar demonstration in 2018, during which residents claimed that the odour had a negative impact on their quality of life.
Aurivo is a significant employer in the area, with over 300 people employed at its Ballaghaderreen site. The company is a leading supplier of dairy ingredients to the food and beverage industry, and its products are exported to over 50 countries worldwide.
The odour issue highlights the challenges faced by the food processing industry in balancing the need for economic development with the concerns of local communities. While Aurivo has taken steps to address the issue, the company will need to remain vigilant to ensure that the odour problem does not recur.
In conclusion, Aurivo’s dairy ingredients plant in Co. Roscommon has taken complaints about a potential odour seriously and has invested €3.5 million in upgrading its effluent wastewater treatment system at the site. The company expects that the majority of the works will be completed by June. While the odour issue has been a source of frustration for residents of Ballaghaderreen, the company is a significant employer in the area, and its products are exported to over 50 countries worldwide. The odour issue highlights the challenges faced by the food processing industry in balancing economic development with the concerns of local communities.
