The Ondo State Government has traced the offensive odour affecting Crest 106.1 FM and parts of Alagbaka Extension in Akure to waste discharged from a neighbouring poultry and goat farming facility into the drainage system.
The discovery was made by officials of the state Ministry of Environment during an inspection of the affected areas following complaints from the management, staff and customers of the broadcast station over the persistent odour.
The inspection team, led by the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Tob Loko, alongside the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Akin Omotola, Esq., FNSE, FNICE, moved from the premises of Crest FM through Rev. Remi Olu Adegboyegun Avenue and MBC Akinbileje Avenue in Alagbaka G.R.A. Extension.
According to the ministry, the inspection led officials to a neighbouring compound where poultry and goat farming activities were being carried out.
Officials discovered that waste and other discharges generated from the farming operation were being channelled through a pipe connected to the drainage system, allowing the discharge to flow towards adjoining residential and business areas.
The ministry subsequently established that the discharge was responsible for the offensive odour that had been affecting Crest FM and surrounding premises.
The Commissioner described the development as a serious environmental and public health concern and directed that an Abatement Notice be issued to the owner of the facility in line with relevant environmental laws and regulations.
Loko stressed that environmental regulations applied to individuals, businesses and facilities irrespective of their size or location.
He warned that activities capable of generating offensive odour, polluting the environment or exposing residents to environmental and public health risks would not be treated with levity.
The Commissioner said the ministry would continue to respond to credible intelligence and complaints from residents, businesses and institutions across the state, adding that the government would not wait for environmental nuisances to escalate before taking regulatory action.
