HC Deb 19 November 2003 vol 413 cc882-3W
Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent analysis has been carried out by the Environment Agency to establish emission levels from the Rugby Cement Works, Rugby; what conclusions have been drawn in respect of the health implications for residents in the town; and if she will make a statement. [138577]

Mr. Bradshaw

The Environment Agency is the regulator for the cement works in Rugby and last conducted independent monitoring at the installation on 13 August 2002. I understand that further independent tests have been scheduled for the week beginning 10 November 2003.

The Rugby Cement Works is regulated under the Pollution Prevention and Control (England and Wales) Regulations 2000. The Environment Agency recently issued a permit to the cement works in Rugby under those regulations.

It is the Environment Agency's opinion that compliance with the very carefully designed PPC permit conditions is sufficient to protect human health and the environment. The rationale for the Environment Agency's decision to grant a PPC permit is set out in full detail in a lengthy decision document (Ref. BL7248) which has been placed on public registers maintained by the Environment Agency and the Rugby borough council. A copy of the agency's Decision Document can be obtained by telephoning 01684 850951.

Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment she has made of the impact on emission levels from the burning of tyres in cement kilns used for co-incineration, with particular reference to(a) nitrogen dioxide, (b) sulphur dioxide and (c) particulate matter; and if she will make a statement. [138578]

Mr. Bradshaw

As the competent authority under the Pollution Prevention and Control (England and Wales) Regulations 2000, the Environment Agency is responsible for assessing the impact of emissions from cement kilns that burn tyres. The Environment Agency's assessment methodology shows that tyre burning trials have consistently demonstrated that emissions of the principal pollutant from cement kilns—oxides of nitrogen—are reduced when conventional fuels such as coal and pet coke are substituted by scrap tyres, in some cases significantly. Whilst there might be an increase or decrease in other, less environmentally significant, emissions, the use of scrap tyres has been repeatedly demonstrated to result in a net environmental benefit.