GREAT BRAK RIVER NEWS - The proposal for a pilot depolymerisation plant to be built close to the Reebok brick-yard on the Mobi Cast site on Sorgfontein Road near Great Brak has been approved.
This is despite the Great Brak River Ratepayers' Association's disapproval of the project. The plant will recycle old tyres and plastic into heavy fuel oil and black carbon.
Ratepayers' Association chairman Ronald Hacquebord says many residents are concerned about the immediate effect and long-term complications of a chemical plant, with regards to their communities and the environment.
However, the Department of Environmental Affairs has now granted a Waste Management Licence to Rooikat (Pty) Ltd, to establish and operate the plant.
"Certain groups and individuals are questioning the basis on which this licence was granted as there are discrepancies and contradictions in the various reports," Hacquebord says.
Concerns
He says the main concern is that it is called a pilot depolymerisation plant which implies a small experimental facility.
"However, the licence granted allows for heavy fuel oil to be distilled to diesel oil. This could involve the processing of 10 to 20 tons of plastic and tyres per day.
"If so, this is no longer a 'pilot' plant. It could become a commercial petrochemical plant, which requires a different process of evaluation.
"The transportation trucks will undoubtedly have an adverse effect on our roads and the traffic."
Hacquebord says specialists in this field have raised concerns that a number of issues have not been dealt with in a scientific manner to ensure that no dangerous toxic gases or waste will be released.
"The Department of Environmental Affairs has put many rules and regulations in place for the monitoring of the operations, which is appreciated."
Rooikat Recycling said in a statement: "Rooikat Recycling is grateful to have reached this milestone. We remain committed to operating a sustainable and environmentally friendly process.
"Interested parties are welcome to contact Sharples Environmental Services (betsy@sescc.net) for more detailed information."
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