§ Lord Howell of Guildford asked Her Majesty'sGovernment:
What studies they have made of the toxic emissions from the incinerators of Cemfuel and similiar waste substances; and what proportion of the content of Cemfuel, and similar substances, they estimate to be imported into the United Kingdom. [HL 1368]
§ Lord WhittyThere have been a number of surveys of the impact on the local environment of the emissions from SLF burning. These have often been 73WA done either by the Environment Agency or by the Operator as a requirement set by the Agency. In particular, there have been extensive studies undertaken in and around Castle Cement's site at Clitheroe. This has included:
Continuous air quality monitoring for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and PM10 at two locations in the Ribble Valley;
Assessment of the concentrations of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, methane and non-methane hydrocarbons and particulates (total and PM 10) in the plume from the chimney;
The use of a laser-based device for assessing the dispersion of the plume from the chimney;
An agency-initiated monitoring programme involving continuously monitoring ambient concentrations of sulphur dioxide and PM10 within a 5-kilometre radius of the works.
Other sites have also carried out studies, including:
Castle Cement, Ketton
Assessment of dioxin levels in the soil within the vicinity of the works.
Rugby Cement, Barrington
Assesssment of dioxin levels in the soil within the vicinity of the works.
Lafarge, Whitivell
Monitoring for sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in the air around the site.
Lafarge, Thrislington
Monitoring of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and PM10 in the air around the site;
Programme of soil sampling for assessing the amount of dioxins.
Information on all of the above studies is available from the public registers or can be obtained directly from the operators.
It is estimated that no more than 9 per cent of all Cemfuel and similar substances burnt in cement and lime kilns is imported.