Environment Minister Bill Marmion has moved to ease community concerns over dust emissions at Cockburn Cement, which is spending $24 million on emissions reduction.
The Department of Environment and Conservation issued an amended license to Cockburn Cement in December, which required it to reduce emissions, dust and odour impacts from the plant.
The amended conditions include the requirement to install a bag filter on the source of the majority of complaints, Cockburn's Kiln 6, before March 2012, at a cost of $24 million.
Mr Marmion said Cockburn Cement was currently appealing the amended conditions, and the appeals convener is due to report by the end of the month.
The company told local residents around its Munster plant last month that the filter bag project for Kiln 6 was "well advanced".
It said an equipment provider had been selected, and construction would begin over the second half of this year, for completion in early 2012.
Mr Marmion said the level of complaints regarding dust and odour from the plant was a concern.
"I expect that the more stringent licence conditions, including the installation of new pollution control equipment, will result in a reduction in dust and odour emissions from this plant," Mr Marmion said.
"However, we are closely watching Cockburn Cement and monitoring their emissions and will not tolerate unreasonable impacts on the community.
"I am aware of recent complaints about sulphur odours at Cockburn Cement and have asked DEC to investigate the incident.
"I will not hesitate to exercise all my powers under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 if Cockburn Cement is found to be in breach of the Act.
"Once the report is received from the appeals convener, I will visit the homes of residents in the area and undertake a site visit at Cockburn Cement to ensure a first-hand understanding of community concerns."
