LAFARGE Cement has made an application to the Environment Agency to trial burn waste chemical solvents at the Westbury Cement Works and the Environment Agency is seeking the public's views on this application.
These waste chemical solvents, known as Recycled Liquid Fuel, are officially classified as a "hazardous waste."
The Environment Agency is also considering expanding the range of chemical substances which make up Recycled Liquid Fuel so as to include polychlorinated biphenyls, pentachloropheno, iodine compounds, and wastes derived from the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, biocides and explosives.
Coal and coke will continue to be burnt as a fuel at Westbury. However, it is proposed the waste chemicals will substitute for this traditional fuel by up 40 per cent of the energy needed. Tyres are also now being used as a fuel at Westbury.
Emissions from the chimney at Westbury travel over a wide area, and therefore we believe communities some distance from the cement works will have an interest in being assured there will be no adverse health or environmental impacts from burning liquid fuels at Westbury.
We believe the best way to secure this assurance is for the Environment Agency to request the Secretary of State to establish a public inquiry into the application so the facts may be independently examined and tested.
To support the call for a public inquiry, or obtain details contact the Environment Agency at Rivers House, East Quay, Taunton TA6 4YS or email: zia.smith@environment-agency.gov.uk
STEPHEN EADES
Wiltshire Friends
Of The Earth
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