Tahmoor odours investigation
We are aware that the community has been experiencing odours within the town of Tahmoor and are investigating. This includes undertaking odour surveys in Tahmoor and inspecting activities we regulate in the area.
We appreciate and understand the impacts of odours can be unpleasant and can have an effect on quality of life.
What the EPA is doing
We are reviewing each report of odour from community and are working with Sydney Water, Wollondilly Shire Council and local industry licensee Inghams Enterprises to investigate the potential sources of odours. We have found different types of odour in several locations around Tahmoor, which could indicate there are potentially multiple odour sources. This is consistent with reports received from the community.
During 2024, the EPA required Inghams to undertake an odour impact assessment (OIA) and prepare an odour management plan for the premises. The odour impact assessment identified a possible main odour source that could be emanating from the premises. The EPA has conducted odour surveys around the Tahmoor area and has spoken to a number of residents and business owners about their odour observations. The EPA has also undertaken both announced and unannounced site inspections, to try and identify any odour sources within the Tahmoor community and associated sources.
The EPA last met with Inghams in February 2025 to discuss the OIA report recommendations to address odour sources at the premises likely to affect the community. Following these discussions, the EPA has now implemented a new licence condition to enforce the report recommendations and other actions to address odours at the premises. These actions include:
- completing an odour Mitigation Options Assessment, and
- cleaning out rotting sludge material within one of their waste water ponds.
The EPA will continue to liaise with Inghams and the community regarding odour improvements. We will also continue to require Inghams to ensure that all activities undertaken at their Tahmoor premises comply with their licence requirements.
A copy of the licence is available on the EPA’s Public Register.
We will continue to work with Sydney Water and Wollondilly Shire Council to investigate other potential odour sources in the area.
Reporting odours – how you can help
Community reports provide important information in the investigation of odour. We need local information about the location, time, duration and type of odour that you are experiencing to help us identify patterns as part of our investigation.
If you are experiencing offensive odour please contact the 24-hour Environment Line on 131 555 or email info@epa.nsw.gov.au. Information about persistent odour can also be recorded using the fact sheet and odour log sheet, which can then be emailed to us.
Do odours cause health impacts?
Everyone reacts to odours differently and some people, such as people with asthma, can be more sensitive to odours than others. Symptoms can vary depending on your sensitivity, age, state of health, and the frequency, duration, and strength of the odour.
If you are sensitive to odours you may experience some symptoms, even at low concentrations which may include irritation of eyes, nose and throat, headaches, nausea, and shortness of breath. Repeated exposures to odours can also understandably cause anxiety and distress and result in indirect symptoms such as headaches. Symptoms generally occur at the time of exposure and will pass once the odour is gone. However where the odour concentration is high or the duration is extended, some symptoms may persist after the odour is gone.
To minimise exposure to odours, residents are advised to close doors and windows and seal entry points. At times of no, or low odour levels, it is important to ventilate your home to prevent build-up of odours in indoor air.
If residents are concerned about their symptoms or if symptoms persist once the odours have ceased, they should seek advice from their local General Practitioner.