Cement firm changes to MBM fuel

Meath: Lagan Cement has welcomed a decision by Meath County Council to grant planning permission for a change of fuel use to allow it to co-fuel its kilns with Meat and Bone Meal (MBM).

It said the use of MBM as a fuel source will significantly reduce net CO2 emissions levels, contributing beneficially to the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, required under the Kyoto protocol.

Plant director Jude Lagan said: “We are pleased to have received this decision, which represents a significant step in allowing us to reduce our net CO2 emissions to the benefit of the environment.”

Acknowledging local objections, Mr Lagan stated that the fears that they have expressed are groundless. “The plant has applied to burn MBM in order to comply with reduced CO2 emission requirements, and this is in fact a positive environmental move and not one which should cause any concern.

“MBM has been proven to be a safe and greener alternative to fossil fuels in cement factories across Europe. I would also like to once more put on record that this application is only for the use of Meat and Bone Meal as a fuel, it is not an application for incineration of wastes.”

Lagan Cement is also required to seek from the EPA an Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) licence and a decision on this is expected early next year.

The company burns 75,000 tonnes of coal per annum and the proposal is for MBM to replace up to 45% of its fuel requirement over the next few years. Lagan said the environmental impact of the use of MBM will be positive.