Plagued by the "big stink" that many believe has affected their health over 21 years, some Rutherford residents fear the worst is not over yet.
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While several people have sold their houses and left the area, others had no choice but to sit tight, staying holed up in their homes during the "stink period".
The latest twist in the situation happened this week, when waste oil processing company Truegain Pty Ltd stayed quiet when given an opportunity to comment on proposed requirements for a mandatory audit on its practices and procedures.
The company is required to nominate at least three proposed auditors for the consideration of the Environment Protection Authority. Nominations must reach the EPA by March 31.
The issue took a new turn recently when Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison urged the state government to take action against the stink as a health issue.
Nick Swanson, computers franchisee at Harvey Norman, Rutherford, told the Mercury: "I am still very concerned about the smells going on in the Rutherford area.
"I am also happy this matter is still top of the list for many people wanting the matter solved,” he said.
"We want to get to the bottom of what is going on in this area and we need someone to be held accountable. We are still affected regularly by smells here."
Elaine Burley, 77, said she had lived in Rutherford for the past 18 years.
She said the smell could be “very, very bad”.
"Sometimes I can't open my bedroom window when my asthma is playing up,” Ms Burley said.
"This is a health risk - it should have been declared a health risk years ago. I am nursing my ex-husband Ken at the back of the house.
"He has a pacemaker, his lungs are very bad and he really needs fresh air."
Mr Burley, 79, said the smell sometimes got so bad that he had to close the doors and remain inside.
"I have lung troubles, my health is pretty well shot and the smell doesn't do it any good,” he said.
Resident Ramona Cocco said: "I was a member of the Rutherford Air Quality Liaison Committee for four years and I have suffered from asthma, skin rashes, headaches and sore throats over 21 years.
"While I am pleased our member Jenny Aitchison has spoken up in Parliament about this being a health issue, my concern is that some industries want to expand - and we haven't resolved the odour issue here yet."
