Holcim should accept consent measures and drop appeal

Green Party MP Metiria Turei is disappointed that Holcim is appealing the consent conditions for a cement factory near Oamaru, given the massive public opposition to the factory in the first place.

“Conditions placed on Holcim’s consent were necessarily stringent, given the impacts the plant will have on the local area. The locals are very aware of their vulnerability to a one million tonne plant with an open cast coal mine,” Mrs Turei says.

“The factory could emit up to 800,000 tonnes of CO2 each year in addition to the mercury, dioxins and sulphur dioxide from the manufacturing process.

“Careful conditions are critical to protect the community and the environment from the plant’s expected pollutants.

“The decision to proceed with an appeal also adds to the uncertainty of the workers at the existing Holcim plant in Westport. They are already facing an unclear future if this new factory goes ahead. Many of those workers will lose their jobs.

“Some may be able to relocate but many will not be able to uproot their families so easily and an appeal only adds to the lack of job security these workers face.”