Fowl smell? 2 Sisters chicken site on final warning

The factory, in Coupar Angus, has received a final warning letter from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), after residents of the town claimed the smell was disrupting their daily lives.

SEPA said it was in active discussions with the company to develop a plan that must include greater mitigation and control of all odour sources at the site.

A spokesman said: “SEPA has received complaints from members of the public regarding strong odours originating from the chicken factory at Coupar Angus.​

“We have been in contact with the factory management over a long period regarding control of these malodours and have recently served a final warning letter on the company.​

‘In active discussions’​

“We are in active discussions regarding an improvement plan, which must include greater mitigation and control of all odour sources at the site.​

The spokesman added: “We have also been in discussions with Perth & Kinross Council’s Environmental Health Service and a representative of Coupar Angus and Bendochy Community Council.”​

2 Sisters Food Group acknowledged that residents had raised issues with odour in the local area.

A spokesman for the company said: “As an important local employer and one of the very few processors producing Scottish chicken, we are proud of our heritage, aim to be a good neighbour and take any complaints seriously.”​

He added: “Our site management are working with the Community Council and SEPA to discuss the issues raised.”​

Four areas of the site​

According to TheCourier.co.uk, a letter from Stephanie Sinclair, an investigations officer with SEPA, to a Coupar Angus resident detailed four areas of the site thought to be the main sources of malodour – scalder units, feather/waste sheds, the tank farm and blood uplifts.

The letter explained that 2 Sisters had employed an independent consultant to carry out a full assessment of odour sources on site and develop the action plan of improvements.

It acknowledged that “while this will not result in immediate reduction in odour, we would hope that this will lead to long-term improvements on site and a greater reduction in odours generated”​.

“If the final warning letter is not complied with, or improvements are not installed, SEPA will consider further enforcement action,”​ the letter added.

SEPA advised members of the public to contact its pollution hotline on 0800 807060 if they are affected by odours from the site, or to report any other potential pollution events.

In 2013, Moy Park was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay Environment Agency costs of £42,500 for emitting foul smells from its poultry unit​ in Kirkby on Bain, Lincolnshire.