Recent accusations that conditions at the new Casino saleyards contributed to the deaths of 20 cattle exported to Queensland have been proven false, with independent testing showing air quality meets guidelines.
Previous complaints about the smell of ammonia coming from the sawdust floor, along with concerns about dust levels under the new roof, were behind allegations that these environmental factors led to the deaths of 20 young cattle sold out of the yards.
Meanwhile the owner-operator, Richmond Valley Council, has engaged independent consultants ENV Solutions, Lennox Head, who found ambient air quality at the site complied with all relevant standards.
Airborne ammonia levels were under detection limits and dust suppression by wetting sawdust was a practice already carried out. Meanwhile all water quality parameters in troughs were below nominated guideline limits therefore no change to practice was required, the report said.
However, ENV Solutions recommended that larger sized wood chip would assist conditions at the yard. This action is already being progressively implemented at the Casino facility.