A PENRITH factory was the suspected source of odours which prompted nearly 200 complaints within the first two weeks of August.

Earlier this month, the Environment Agency released a community update on its investigation into the Omega Proteins site, an animal rendering plant which is suspected by some residents as being the cause of the so-called ‘Penrith Pong’.

A spokesperson from the Environment Agency said: “We are aware that Omega Proteins continues to be a source of concern for the Penrith community and surrounding areas.

“The Environment Agency continues to regulate the site in accordance with the permit and monitor the odour reports received.”

The number of odour reports that suggested Omega Proteins was the source of the odour soared to 185 in the first 12 days of August 2024, higher than the total number of similar reports received in other months this year.

The figure compared to 87 in the entire month of July, 106 in June, and 48 in May.

The Environment Agency and Westmorland and Furness Council are conducting investigations into the factory, with the latter’s forecast to conclude by the end of September this year. 

READ MORE: Odour complaints continue as town 'pong' persists

The Environment Agency said they would like residents to continue reporting odour in the Penrith area to them as it helps build a picture of its extent and impact. Reports can be made 24 hours a day on 0800 807060.

They added: “If you believe Omega Proteins may be the source of odours in Penrith you should also report this directly to the company as soon as possible.

“This will mean the company can quickly investigate the report. This is particularly important with intermittent odour.”

The company can be contacted on 07976857435.

A spokesperson from Leo Group, the parent company of Omega Proteins, said: "Since Leo Group acquired the operation in 2002, we have been continually investing in the site, making it the most extensively invested rendering plant in the UK, providing a valuable service to the agriculture and meat industry.

"Multiple odour abatement processes are used, exceeding current best available techniques guidance.

"The number of complaints received by the Environment Agency are 'reported complaints' and not 'substantiated complaints'.

"Unfortunately, this is a distinction that is always overlooked.

"As every complaint that is reported to us by the Environment Agency is also investigated by us and our findings are passed back to the Environment Agency, who also perform their own offsite check, we can say with certainty that a significant amount of these complaints is not substantiated to Omega Proteins."

They added that 'every complaint' is taken 'seriously' and encouraged people to call their odour hotline number so that their 'odour checkers' can 'investigate in real-time'.

"We aim to be on-site within 15 minutes of receiving a report," they said.