The New South Wales Government is investigating a southern highlands’ cement company, after claims by an environmental group that it has understated its levels of toxic emissions.  
 
The new Berrima factory of Blue Circle Southern Cement received approval two years ago to burn waste, including tyres and used oil as fuel.  
 
The Residents Against Dioxins community group recently contacted the Department of Environment and Climate Change to raise concerns that testing reports on the factory’s emissions had been altered to show it was releasing lower levels of toxins. 
 
The department says it has now decided to audit the company’s reports, partially in response to the group’s claims, and partially as part of normal monitoring procedures.  
 
An independent consultant will be engaged to undertake the investigation and is expected to report back within two months.