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Environmental actions and improvements
Adelaide Brighton Cement (ABC) at Birkenhead, which manufactures cement and lime used in construction and mining, is situated close to residential housing, posing a challenge in managing its operations to minimise the impact on nearby residents.
In the past, the EPA experienced a history of complaints from the community regarding dust, noise and vibration issues from the operations. However, in recent years, ABC has made significant improvements to its operations, as well as strengthening its relationship with the local community.
The Adelaide Brighton Cement Community Liaison Group was formed to provide an interface for all parties to identify and address issues of environmental concern. Membership of this liaison group includes representatives from the local council, residents, ABC and the EPA. They are involved in a reviewing EPA monitoring data and provide input into decision making around what mitigation measures ABC are required to undertake as part of their EPA licence and environment improvement program (EIP).
ABC currently holds an EPA licence for:
- cement works
- activities producing listed waste
- bulk shipping facilities
- crushing, grinding or milling of rock, ores and minerals
- fuel burning.
During 2009–10, the company’s licence was reviewed and changes were made to several licence conditions. This process included significant input from members of the liaison group.
The environmental improvements listed below have been achieved since the implementation of ABC’s 2009 EIP which was agreed upon with considerable involvement from the community liaison group.
| Dust emissions | Noise emissions |
| Plan to install a truck wash facility for all heavy vehicles leaving the plant. | Noise monitoring and modelling undertaken |
| Dust suppressants used on stockpiles | Redevelopment of some areas of the plant to improve noise attenuation |
| Upgrade of raw materials handling areas | Further abatement works programmed for the next 12 months |
| Cladding of buildings | |
| Planting and screening | |
| Replacing of gantry walls | |
| Paving and greening of unsealed areas |
The current EIP is due for renewal in December 2011, and the EPA will be working with ABC and the community liaison group to review the effectiveness of mitigation measures to date. The EPA will then consider what further mitigation measures need to form part of the next EIP.
Although ABC is one of a number of contributors to local air quality, the EPA’s air monitoring data from both Le Fevre and Netley indicate that state-wide environmental events are also strong drivers of air particulate levels.
Last modified: 13/09/2011 01:43 pm
