AN ESCAPE of cement factory dust into the atmosphere left vehicles covered in a thin film. . . more than two miles away in Dunbar.

Numerous complaints were made on social media regarding cars and, in particular, car windscreens being covered in dust late last month.

Residents such as Seona Mason-Chadburn, who lives in Dunbar town centre, contacted the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Tarmac, which operates Dunbar Cement Plant to the south-east of the town, about the discharge.

She told the Courier how she had attempted to use her window wipers to clear her front windscreen, only to discover the dust.

She said her windscreen felt like “sandpaper” and compared the dust to the “bloom on a black grape”.

A spokesman for SEPA added: “Every day SEPA works to protect and enhance Scotland’s environment and we are clear that compliance is non-negotiable.

“In response to local complaints, SEPA officers responded to reports of significant dust in the Dunbar area.

“Officers identified the source of the dust and are working with Tarmac to prevent a re-occurrence.

“We would advise members of the public to contact our 24-hour pollution hotline on 0800 807060 to report pollution events.”

Tarmac has confirmed that the dust escaped, with an internal investigation being carried out.

Oliver Curtin, plant manager, said: “In the early hours of May 24 we experienced an isolated and brief incident where a small amount of limestone-based dust escaped from the site.

“We took action quickly and have been working with SEPA and conducting our own investigations to prevent a recurrence. We’re committed to minimising our environmental impact and apologise for any inconvenience caused. If anyone has any concerns or queries they can contact us at dunbar.feedback@tarmac.com”

The incident took place when some clinker (nodules of cement) was being loaded into a store.

As soon as the discharge was detected, the process was “immediately” shut down but “unfortunately” some dust had already escaped into the atmosphere, said Tarmac.

The dry weather and wind direction resulted in the dust being carried towards Dunbar.

Tarmac has sent out a letter to residents and offered to arrange for cars to be washed at the company’s expense.

Additional CCTV cameras have now been installed on site to improve the company’s ability to gain an external view of its operations.