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New Zealand Press Association via NewsEdge Corporation :

Wellington, Nov 29 NZPA - Green MP Metiria Turei says a planned cement plant near Oamaru could emit up to 800,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year.

Holcim New Zealand Ltd has gained interim resource consent to operate a new cement plant at Weston, near Oamaru yesterday.

Holcim has until December 19 to respond to a range of conditions specified by the commissioners, covering hours of operation, noise, air quality and traffic management.

Ms Turei said apart from CO2, the manufacturing process meant mercury, dioxins and sulphur dioxide would also be discharged.

She said there had been overwhelming opposition to the plant.

“The decision to allow this project to proceed is absurd and negates the efforts of those New Zealanders who are doing all they can to try combat climate change.”

A recent court case found in favour of Greenpeace against Mighty River power that regional councils should take climate change into account, she said.

Holcim capital projects manager Ken Cowie yesterday was pleased with the interim decision.

“Obviously we are delighted that the commissioners have issued an interim decision so promptly.”

He said the ultimate go-ahead rested with its Swiss parent company, Holcim Ltd, which will weigh up whether in the long-term it should build a new plant at Oamaru or one near Westport.

Its current Westport plant is running to full capacity, and importing cement to supplement demand.

Holcim NZ operates more than 35 sites and employs about 530 people.

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<<New Zealand Press Association — 11/30/07>>