Cockburn Cement Limited (CCL)
CCL's cement and lime manufacturing plant in Munster has been licensed (L4533/1967/15) under Part V, Division 3 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (EP Act) since 1987.
To investigate the extent of dust and odour issues, DWER and CCL have implemented a number of programs in the Cockburn Area, including:
- Community Odour and Dust Monitoring Program (CODMP)
- Odour Patrol Programs
- Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) Program
- Dust Sampling Program.
The key findings of these investigations are:
- CCL has been confirmed as one of several odour sources impacting the community
- there are several dust sources impacting the community, making it difficult to clearly identify the specific sources.
A works approval was granted in August 2021, which allowed CCL to undertake shell sand feed diversion trials in its Kiln 6 pre-heater tower, aimed at reducing odour emissions from Kiln 6. Feed diversion trials were undertaken in 2022–23. The works approval expired in May 2023 with CCL submitting a report to DWER on the results of the trials.
The CCL licence was amended on 28 February 2023 to extend its duration until 30 March 2024. A copy of the 28 February 2023 Amendment Report is available.
What is happening now?
Show moreEnforcement action
On 9 March 2023, CCL was fined $290,000 after being found guilty of allowing unreasonable emissions (odour) from its premises in Munster on six occasions between January and April 2019. Details of the prosecution can be found on the DWER announcements page.
The Court was satisfied that the odour experienced by nearby residents was unreasonable and that CCL was the source of the odour. The prosecution followed several years of investigations by DWER into ongoing complaints about odour and dust in the Cockburn area.
On 5 April 2023, CCL appealed the conviction and sentence concerning the 2019 charges to the Supreme Court. On 8 September 2023, the Supreme Court upheld the convictions but reduced the fine from $290,000 to $245,000.
Following further investigations by DWER into odour complaints, in January 2022 DWER initiated a second prosecution against CCL relating to unreasonable emissions (odour). These charges relate to emissions which are alleged to have occurred between January and April 2020. The next court appearance is scheduled for 25 June 2024 at the Perth Magistrates Court.
Licence amendment – expiry extension
In February 2024, CCL applied for a licence amendment requesting to extend the duration of its licence by 12 months. DWER granted an amended licence in March 2024 with changes to the licence limited only to extending its expiry from 30 March 2024 to 30 March 2025 and an administrative update to its registered business address.
In its application, CCL provided information on the preliminary actions it was undertaking in relation to odour investigations and potential control options. These are further outlined in the Amendment Report for the amended licence. DWER took into account these actions and that CCL and DWER are actively engaging on the short, medium and long- term strategy for addressing odour emissions from the premises.
A copy of the March 2024 Amended Licence and Amendment Report is available.
Investigation of odour
DWER continues to investigate ongoing reports of odour in the local community and, where appropriate, will take further action to address any ongoing unreasonable odour impacts.
DWER has completed a detailed scientific review of CCL’s report on the feed diversion trials. DWER has provided feedback and is in discussions with CCL on next steps for feed diversion and the short, medium and long-term strategy for odour emissions as noted above. DWER is committed to securing long-term permanent solutions to odour emissions. The community and this page will be updated when next steps and actions have been determined.
Works approval – CCL prilling of Lime Kiln Dust
In November 2023, a works approval was granted allowing CCL to establish infrastructure to process lime kiln dust (LKD) from kiln 5 and kiln 6 into small spheres by adding water and agitating (prilling) the material. The prilling is intended to reduce the dustiness of LKD and dust emissions from the LKD disposal area. CCL has constructed the infrastructure and is currently preparing for its commissioning.
Complaints
DWER aims to achieve the best outcome for everyone in the community and reduce these odours. Community residents are reminded that it is important to immediately report odour and dust impacts at the time that they occur by calling the Pollution Watch Hotline on 1300 784 782. The online reporting form can be used to lodge complaints after the impact has occurred. For odour, go to the odour reporting webpage. For dust, go to the dust reporting webpage.
More information
Show moreDWER will update this page as new information comes to hand.
The Department of Health has published information including frequently asked questions in relation to air pollution and health associated with emissions from Cockburn Cement. Go to general information and the frequently asked questions.
