Aerial view of Castle Cement Works"

Castle Cement Works, Padeswood, Buckley

June 2005

In April 2006, Castle Cement started to burn 20% Cemfuel, made from waste material, in the new kiln as part of the process for its new £56 million production line. This would be increased to 40%, the maximum allowed, in due course. The burning of Cemfuel in the area caused much controversy and was the subject of a long campaign by those concerned about health problems resulting from its emissions. The company maintained the fuel was safe.

In February 2010, Castle Cement was fined £250,000 with £55,649 in costs at Mold Crown Court after it admitted failing to run its works properly which resulted in noise and dust nuisances, especially to those living nearby.

Previously the company had admitted four charges brought by The Environment Agency between August 2005 and May 2007 and requested that further offences were taken into consideration up to October 2009. The judge accepted that there was no evidence of harm to the public but said, "Emissions of dust and the fire particles put the general public to some potential risk of injury to their health." The company had cooperated throughout the investigation and the judge said that he was satisfied that the company had made efforts to improve practices and installations at the site with investments of £1.8m.

Mark Cox, the unit manager, said, "We sincerely regret the incidents which led to this prosecution and any anxiety this has caused our neighbours. We have learned important lessons during this time and made significant improvements to the plant and our procedures."

In May 2010 Flintshire Welsh Assembly Member, Mark Isherwood, demanded an investigation into the possibility that the plant could be linked to cases of cancer. The firm's representative, Mark Cox, said that the firm would cooperate fully with any investigation.

Author: Anon

Aerial view of Castle Cement Works"

Castle Cement Works, Padeswood, Buckley

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