Ebden Street residents David and Alison Hough say a spa factory (chimneys behind) is emitting fumes that are destroying residents’ lifestyles.
By Shaun Inguanzo
A BATTLE has erupted between a spa bath manufacturer and its neighbouring residents over fumes emitted during the factory’s laminating process.
Residents of Ebden Street, Noble Park, claim the fumes’ odours are ruining their lifestyle and are frightened the chemical smell could pose a safety risk.
But manufacturer Monarch Spas says it has invested over $120,000 modifying its factory at the Environment Protection Authority’s (EPA) request to reduce the emissions and therefore the smell.
Monarch Spas this week announced it would appeal Greater Dandenong Council’s refusal on Monday night to grant a retrospective permit to manufacture goods at the site.
The appeal will be heard at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
Monarch Spas owner Kel Witnish said between 50 and 60 workers could lose their jobs if the factory could not manufacture the spa baths and spa pools.
A total of 14 residents objected to the permit, and 79 signed a petition against the factory’s operations.
Mr Witnish said the recent lobbying by residents was unusual given the business had been operating for 10 years, and the industrial site had existed next to them since 1985.
“It seems it was alright in 1985, but no good today,” he said.
Despite the factory’s modifcations, a council officer’s report presented to Monday night’s council meeting shows the EPA identified the site as an industrial business requiring a buffer zone of 200 metres from the houses and school.
But the factory lies just 10m to 50m from neighbouring residential properties and Oakwood Park Primary School.
Mr Witnish said this could be a result of poor town planning – as any form of industry would suffer at the site.
“It wouldn’t matter if it was us or anyone else, because if there has to be a 200m buffer zone, then you would really have to demolish the whole site,” he said.
The council report stated the close proximity combined with chemical fumes posed a “high potential risk to the safety of people located on adjoining and adjacent land”.
“The odours and fumes from the chemicals emanating from this industry in respect to the production of the spa baths may present major implications in regards to health and safety of the immediate and wider area,” the council report stated.
“In addition, the adverse impact on residential amenity and quality of life resulting from the operations are a very real concern in respect to community wellbeing and mental health.”
Mr Witnish said he had received no complaints from employees working directly next to the fumes.
“We haven’t been concerned about the fumes, and the EPA has been here and has not been concerned either,” he said.
Chemicals used to laminate the spa baths include resin, flocoat, menthol ethol ketone peroxide (catalyst), acetone and methylated spirits.
Mr Witnish did not comment on whether Monarch Spas would take the matter to court if the VCAT appeal failed.
