The United Kingdom-based Environment Agency will allow Cemex to use tires as a substitute fuel at its cement plant in Rugby, UK, following a strictly-controlled and monitored trial.
Area Environment Manager, Ian Withers, says: "We have studied the report and the results of the tire trial in great detail before coming to this decision. We are satisfied that Cemex has met the requirements of its Permit and can now burn tires in accordance with the conditions in the Permit.
"Our role is to make sure that Cemex uses the best available techniques to protect human health and the environment. I want to reassure people that we would not have made this decision unless we were completely satisfied that the impact of burning tires would not be detrimental, compared with standard fuels. Amongst other things the trial has shown that burning tires results in a reduction in nitrogen oxides, when compared to burning traditional fuels. This will reduce the level of nitrogen dioxide in the Rugby environment.
"In our experience, few applications have been subjected to such intense scrutiny and debate as this one. We have committed substantial resources to engaging with and informing the public over an extended period of time and we have ensured that people’s views have been taken into account in making our decision.
"We understand our responsibilities to the people of Rugby and we will continue to monitor the site to ensure that the company operates in line with the strict conditions in their Permit. We have already demonstrated that we are prepared to stop the plant operating, and even prosecute if necessary, should Cemex not adhere to the Permit conditions."
Under the Tyres Protocol, Cemex was encouraged to undertake three months’ public consultation and prepare a detailed report of the trial. We assessed the report and addressed any issues raised by consultees to decide whether the use of tires as a partial substitute fuel could continue. We have made today’s decision based on the company’s ability to meet a number of "Critical Success factors", which were set by us before the trial started.
Now that we have made the decision, our next step is to prepare the Decision Document, which will be placed on the public register at the Environment Agency’s office in Tewkesbury and at Rugby Borough Council offices as soon as possible. It is likely to be available within 14 days.