The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued a draft air-quality permit to Holcim Inc. The company applied to the environmental department in February 2001 for permission to burn used tyres as 15 per cent of its fuel source at its Trident works. Nicole Prokop commented on the decision “We are excited that it’s finally moving on to the next step.”

The public will be given time to comment on the proposal until 9 May before any final decision is made. A date for the public hearing has not been set as yet, but it is expected one will take place at the end of April.