CASTLE Cement, Ribblesdale, has begun the legal process to have the hazardous toxic waste 'Cemfuel' reclassified as a fuel (LET, August 29).

This would put it in the same category as coal and outside the reach of the EU Hazardous Waste Incineration Directive, where it would be subject to far less strenuous controls.

If successful, it is anticipated that Castle will not just be able to burn the 137,000 tonnes per annum of hazardous toxic waste presently proposed, but as much as they want, whenever they want, and wherever they want.

This action follows closely on Castle Cement's application to recommence burning 'Cemfuel' in Kiln 7 (stopped in September 1996 due to persistent plume-grounding).

There are also plans to restart burning 'Cemfuel' in Kilns 5 and 6 once continuous monitoring equipment is in place (stopped on June 30, 2000, as Castle were unable to comply with the new EU emission limits).

On July 10 at Lancaster Crown Court, Judge Proctor concluded that there was no possible solution to plume-grounding at Ribblesdale and that he expected further prosecutions to follow.

In short, Castle cannot meet the conditions concerning plume-grounding, nor can they meet the EU regulations concerning emission limits when 'Cemfuel' is being burnt, so their solution is to get it reclassified so that the rules do not apply.

Over the last few years, local campaigners have fought long and hard for legislation to safeguard health and protect the environment. It is a basic human right to have clean air to breathe.

Readers who are concerned about the implications of these developments have the chance to raise them with Castle representatives at their 'open day' on Wednesday, September 6, in Clitheroe Parish Church Hall.

J D MORTIMER (Mr), (Chairman, Friends of the Earth, Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley), Green Drive, Clitheroe.