Environment Agency gives OK to Tyres as Fuel

The Environment Agency has given cement producer Cemex permission to use as a substitute fuel at its Rugby plant. This decision comes following a trial rigorously controlled and monitored by the Environment Agency.

According to the Environment Agency’s area environment manager, Ian Withers, the agency is satisfied with the trial’s results. “We have studied the report and the results of the tyre trial in great detail before coming to this decision,” he said. “We are satisfied that Cemex has met the requirements of its Permit and can now burn tyres in accordance with the conditions in the Permit.

The Environment Agency has said that Cemex were required to show they could meet a number of set “Critical Success Factors” during the trial period. “I want to reassure people that we would not have made this decision unless we were completely satisfied that the impact of burning tyres would not be detrimental, compared with standard fuels,” Withers added.

In fact, the trial actually showed that in one key area the burning of tyres as fuel would help improve air quality. “Amongst other things,” said Withers, “the trial has shown that burning tyres 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.”

The Environment Agency had said they would continue to monitor the Cemex plant to ensure the company operates according to preciously agreed upon conditions.