CLEAN-up has begun at the site of a fire at Thomas Foods International at Murray Bridge.
Thestate government, through the Environment Protection Authority, is working with TFI and its contractors to support the appropriate removal and transport of processed carcasses in chiller rooms destroyed or spoiled by the fire.
The material will be transported to a local licensed landfill for disposal in a properly lined and prepared cell.
The EPA will have officers in Murray Bridge and Brinkley to make sure that the transport and disposal complies with the relevant licence conditions to reduce any nuisance, such as odour, that might result.
SA Health has also advised that odour from the Thomas Foods site could be unpleasant and may be nauseating, but has reassured staff and public that it is not poisonous or toxic.
Any odour is expected to dissipate rapidly once the carcasses have been removed.
TFI fire coordination taskforce chair Mehdi Doroudi said the taskforce was meeting regularly and working closely with Thomas Foods to ensure they have the help needed to begin clean up and start the process of repair and rebuild.
“Access to the site is still limited and TFI is yet to complete a full assessment of the damage,” Professor Doroudi said.
“However, it’s been assessed as safe to remove the carcasses – which were hanging in chiller storage rooms in the abattoir at the time of the fire.
“I commend Thomas Foods for the way they continue to handle this devastating event.
“They are working around the clock to keep staff informed, as well as reassure customers and the wider community of their commitment to move forward and rebuild.”
A community information centre has been established at the Murray Bridge Town Hall on Bridge Street to provide counselling, advice and staff information between 8.30am and 5.30pm on weekdays.
There is also a hotline available 24/7 at 1800 302 787.
