If you are experiencing ongoing and unreasonable odour problems in a residential area there are a few things you can do before making a formal complaint to Council.
Many residential complaints can be solved by talking to your neighbours. You may feel anxious but remember that they are sometimes not aware that they are disturbing you.
Please note: If your concerns involve industrial sources and premises such as sewage treatment facilities, abattoirs, animal renderers, landfills and composting facilities activity, you will need to lodge a complaint with the Environmental Protection Authority.
The EPA has developed a guide called annoyed by noise for tips for talking to your neighbours about noise, but this guide can also be used for other neighbourhood issues.
If you don't feel comfortable speaking with your neighbour we have developed a sample letter to help you write a letter you can put in their mailbox.
If after speaking to your neighbour the odour is still ongoing and unreasonable, you can lodge a formal complaint.
All nuisance complaints lodged with Council for investigation are dealt with confidentially. However, if the matter is serious enough you may be required to give evidence under oath before a Court if proceedings are instigated.
Dealing with smoke and odour from woodheaters
Smoke from wood heaters and open fireplaces can occasionally cause problems for neighbours. Excessive smoke continuing for longer than 30 minutes after the fire is started indicates a problem. There may be problems with the type of material being burnt or how the wood is being stored.
What not to burn:
- Never burn household rubbish, driftwood, treated wood or painted wood. It is sure to pollute the air and it can produce toxic gases
- Green pine logs used for garden edges and park and playground equipment may have been treated with copper chrome arsenate. These logs are safe to handle but release toxic substances when burnt
- Painted wood may contain chemicals, including lead, which is very harmful to human health
Read more about wood smoke pollution and how to reduce it on the EPA website.