Environment chiefs today laid the blame for a series of foul smells drifting over south Essex on the Pitsea landfill site.

Now the Environment Agency says Cleanaway, which runs the site, is taking immediate action to solve the problem.

Cleanaway, has now received a formal notice from the agency that it must clean up its act and end the odours within three months.

Source of the smells : the landfill site at Pitsea Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

Tim Sheppard, the Environment Agency's senior environment officer, said: "Now that we've found the source of the smells and considered the possible solutions we are taking action to stop them.

"We really appreciate all the help we've had from the public in tracing the source of the smells and hope that over the next three month, the smells will disappear completely."

Complaints have been pouring in from all across the area about nasty smells which have caused a particular problem in Castle Point in recent weeks.

Cleanaway workers will soon be adding a layer of clay to cap one of their dump sites after investigators discovered some of the smelly gases being generated and emitted from beneath.

A further pong of "rotten eggs" was found coming from a lagoon that stores contaminated rainwater before it is discharged into the Thames.

Agency experts believe dosing the water with chemicals could reduce the smell and have told Cleanaway they have until the end of the week to make a start.

An agency spokesperson identified the gases as mixtures of methane and carbon dioxide which had the effect of being "nauseating and unpleasant".

The spokesperson continued: "However, the agency is not able to give specific individual advice on health affects associated with the odours and advises that individuals consult their doctor or health authority if concerned."

If any residents have further problems with air or water quality they are advised to ring the Environment Agency's hotline number on 0800 807060.

Published Wednesday, April 30, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo