COCKBURN Cement has been ordered to dramatically reduce dust emissions from its Munster plant, at a likely cost of more than $20 million, under new tighter licence conditions imposed by the state government.
Environment Minister Bill Marmion announced the new conditions included the requirement to install and operate pollution control equipment on kiln 5, after monitoring results from the Department of Health showed dust emissions from that kiln were a problem.
The Department of Environment and Conservation has previously ordered Cockburn Cement, an arm of listed company Adelaide Brighton, to install a bag filter on the source of the majority of dust complaints, kiln 6, before March next year at a cost of $24 million.
Mr Marmion said the new conditions were designed to protect the community following concerns from nearby residents over dust and odour emissions.
“To protect the community while the new equipment is being commissioned, the company will be required to stop the feed of any raw materials to any kiln that exceeds dust limits until they have rectified the problem,” he said.
“In relation to odour, Cockburn Cement will become responsible for monitoring and reporting odour emissions.
“I have also asked the Department of Environment and Conservation to consider an independent odour assessment in the community, which would be funded by Cockburn Cement, to help determine the nature of the odour and provide a basis for action.”
