'Dust from quarry could be harmful'

HARMFUL dust could be released into the air if a Hibaldstow quarry is reopened, it was claimed yesterday.

Redbourne resident George Whiterod and George Wright of Redbourne Parish Council are jointly contesting a controversial application from Halletec Industries to get Hibaldstow quarry up and running again.

At a the second day of a public inquiry yesterday Mr Whiterod said the quarry would result in fine dust particles called PM10 being released into the atmosphere.

"PM10 has serious health consequences and visible dust doesn't," he said.'

"There are averagely between 12,000 and 24,000 deaths per annum from PM10," he added.

Mr Whiterod was questioning Gary Hughes, an expert witness from Halletec, and pointed out Mr Hughes' evidence had stated it was 'virtually impossible to predict the amount of dust from the proposed operation'.

Mr Whiterod said that meant the level at which neighbouring residents would be at risk from PM10 emissions had not been stated or scientifically investigated.

"If you say that the emissions can't be quantified, how can we know what the concentrations would be," he added.

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