US environmentalists to set out case against Orcem plant

Environmental activists will today take their case against a proposed Orcem cement plant and marine terminal to the public, according to local media reports.

The proposed project is to be built in Vallejo to the north of San Francisco and will consist of a 0.5Mta grinding plant producing cement from GBFS, to be expanded to 0.9Mta in subsequent phases.

Opponents of the scheme have branded it an “environmental nightmare”, citing the impact of higher traffic volumes – one banner claimed up to 277 a day, although this is disputed by Orcem – and dust from the grinding operations.

The local planning commission is set to meet in October to decide on the project’s environmental merits. If it passes this hurdle, a final decision will be taken by Vallejo City Council, although protestors have indicated that they will appeal if it the go-ahead is given.

Should the plant be given the all clear to proceed, Orcem expects to begin operations in 2017.