Other Links
Dr Roberts controversial November 1999 Report giving the kiln project a clean bill of health.
Dr Roberts cross examination at the Autumn 2000 Public Inquiry when reference to this letter was made.
 

Extracts from a letter, written by Dr Roberts to the Environment Agency Wales in Buckley on 13th September 2000 and available, in full, on the public register.

Section 3.2 Cemfuel Composition

The proposals for monitoring the composition of Cemfuel are reassuring. As emissions may depend on maintaining the specified composition, what arrangements will there be to verify Castle's compliance with these proposals?

Section 3.2.16    Cemfuel Composition

Will the wastes to be excluded from Cemfuel be specified in the authorisation, and what will be the arrangements for monitoring compliance? Is the Environment Agency satisfied that the list is complete and that no other harmful wastes of lower calorific value, which may be disposed of in Cemfuel, should be added to the list of wastes to be excluded?

Section 4.2 PFA

What is Pulverised Fuel Ash? I would like to see more information on the source of PFA. It contains relatively high concentrations of arsenic, chromium and vanadium, not withstanding most of the metals input are retained in the kiln.

Section 4.7 Fabric Filters

The correct operation of the bag filters and identification and replacement of failed bags is critical in controlling emissions of particulates, including metals, from the kiln. Is the Environment Agency able to offer reassurance that the equipment and management processes are the best available.

Section 7.3     Metal Emissions

Concern has been expressed by some groups about the health effects of emissions of ultra fine metal particles. I have examined these concerns. Although the data on emissions of particles and metals suggest these will have no significant effect on health, more data would be helpful in confirming that conclusion.