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 today 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 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.
"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 (DEC) 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."
Following repeated community protests, and criticism from local Labor MP Fran Logan, Mr Marmion sought to deflect responsibility.
"Some serious questions need to be asked of the former (Labor) government about how it let urban development occur so close to the plant without toughening up the conditions around the plants emissions," the Minister said.
Mr Marmion said he was confident the new conditions were tough enough to protect the health and amenity of the community, while allowing the company to continue its production of lime and cement.
"This has been a difficult appeal determination," he said. "But I am confident that these conditions balance the needs of both the community and the company."
