Environmental company, Leo Group, is investing £30 million to upgrade their odour abatement equipment at their Penrith facility.

The business is one of the UK’s leading specialists in animal by products and renewable energy. It plays a critical role in the food and agricultural industries collecting and processing material; which is converted into meals and oils for use in the pet food, cosmetic, oleochemical, renewable fuel and power industries.

​The upgrades to the Omega Proteins site in Penrith, which is owned and operated by Leo Group, will see the installation of innovative, renewable and clean technology.

A new multi-fuel thermal oxidiser is being installed which will run on biomass fuel; this is in addition to the thermal oxidisers and biofilters already on site. It will also provide high energy recovery as it will use biomass fuels instead of fossil fuels to generate steam and electricity via a turbine which will allow the company to take less off the grid thus improving their carbon emissions.

A spokesperson for Leo Group said: “We take our responsibilities seriously and endeavour to be good neighbours. We are continuously investing in new technology and have done since acquiring the site in 2002. We are also working closely with the environment agency in conjunction with our environmental permit.

“As part of the development we have built a new trailer shed and a separate automated washing facility. This will allow vehicles to be stored in an airlocked environment until they are moved to be washed. Our plans also include landscaping the area surrounding the site with the planting of trees and the inclusion of a wet reed bed.”

The company is also inviting local residents to join its liaison group which meets every other month at the Penrith facility on Greystoke Road.

The spokesperson added: “We are committed to engaging with residents and the council to keep them informed, discuss issues and make improvements where required. We would welcome new members to the liaison group who could offer fresh ideas and proactively work with us to make positive changes that benefit the local community.”

Anyone wishing to join the group should email pr@leogroupltd.co.uk for details.