According to "Jordan Times", local representatives of Fuheis staged a protest in front of the Ministry of Environment demanding that the government take immediate action to prevent the Jordan Cement Factories Company (JCFC) from using petcoke as a substitute for fuel oil in its cement production. The protesters published a statement voicing their disappointment that the government has failed to implement an environmental settlement plan and therefore made it possible for the factory to begin using petcoke. Ghazi Musharbash, environmental activist present at the protest, said that petcoke is a cheap source of energy, made from the residues of petrol and contains heavy metals such as lead, nickel and mercury. Musharbash added that the company was not complying with environmental standards and the use of petcoke will only add to the existing pollution problem in the area.
The plan, which was due to be implemented in April 2004, involves a list of procedures and alternatives to solve the pollution problem in Fuheis, compiled by local representatives, said Yaser Akroush, head of the Jordanian Environment Society/Fuheis branch.
