Families living near a creamery in Aberarad, northwest Carmarthenshire, say their lives are still blighted by odour and noise problems. The facility, which converts hundreds of tonnes of milk daily into pizza cheese, has prompted complaints from residents who say issues worsen in summer.
Residents Describe 'Rotting Carcass' Smell
Jen Jones, a member of the Arad Community Action Group, likened the odour to a 'rotting carcass'. She said she feels on tenterhooks not knowing when it will happen again, though it has been less frequent in the past three months. 'It permeates everything,' she added, noting the smell can last as little as 20 minutes depending on wind direction. Brian Jones, her husband, said he likes to sleep with windows open but hasn't for years due to constant extractor fan noise.
Regulatory Reports Highlight Issues
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) compliance reports from 2025 noted 'distinct, strong, and offensive odours' at off-site locations, attributed to the site's effluent treatment plant. Cracks in sludge tank hatches were identified as a cause. Another report said site activities likely cause a 'significant adverse impact' from noise, though Dairy Partners has installed acoustic panels on a chiller compound roof. NRW also flagged historical water pollution incidents, with the most recent in May 2025, and is considering enforcement action.
Community Action Group Calls for Action
The action group, representing seven households, formed in 2019. Stephen Rees moved into his home in 2018 and said odour can 'just sit' depending on weather. Megan Ceiriog-Jones reported noise from tankers delivering liquid natural gas and loud venting sounds. None want the creamery to close but feel they experience a statutory nuisance. Susannah Oliver said, 'Take the effects of the factory out and we love living here.'
Dairy Partners' Response and Investments
Dairy Partners said it is committed to operating safely and in full accordance with its environmental permit. It is spending £1m on a protective bund and other improvements, on top of £2m spent on wastewater treatment. The company plans to upgrade sludge storage tanks and install extra emission-control technology. It supports over 100 dairy farms and employs more than 90 local people.
NRW and Council Statements
NRW said it carries out site visits and reviews management plans. A two-day audit in April 2025 found Dairy Partners demonstrated good understanding but required improvements. Carmarthenshire Council said it takes complaints seriously but currently lacks evidence for formal action. Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen noted NRW is the primary regulator for odour emissions.
