A WARNING letter has been sent to the bosses of Dunbar Cement Plant after “a number of complaints” from members of the public.

Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) officers carried out an investigation into dust deposits in Dunbar following complaints in September and October last year.

The investigation concluded that the Tarmac site, which is about 1.5 miles to the south-east of Dunbar, was the most likely source of the dust issues and that the operator needed to take action to prevent and minimise the potential escape of dust from the site.

The warning letter advises Tarmac that SEPA expects the company to review existing procedures for monitoring and detection of dust emissions from the plant equipment and activities at the site.

Tarmac, which employs more than 140 people at the Dunbar facility, has already taken various steps in a bid to cut down the chances of a similar incident in the future.

The letter also advises the operator that SEPA expects it to carry out earlier and more proactive identification of excessive dust emissions before complaints are made, and that SEPA will undertake a review, which is already under way, of the site’s permit.

A separate investigation in response to dust complaints in Dunbar during May this year is also being carried out.

Terry A’Hearn, SEPA’s chief executive, said that SEPA worked every day to “protect and enhance Scotland’s environment” and that compliance was “non-negotiable”.

He said: “SEPA has carried out a full investigation into the causes of the dust complaints in Dunbar from September and October 2017.

“This investigation has now concluded and a warning letter has been issued to Tarmac Cement and Lime Limited in Dunbar.

“SEPA is clear that practices should be improved to prevent further events and ensure full compliance.

“The review of the operator’s permit is a key part of the steps SEPA is taking.”

Tarmac is currently awaiting the result of the second investigation and has urged anyone with any questions to get in touch.

Oliver Curtin, Tarmac’s Dunbar plant manager, said: “We are committed to minimising impacts from our business on the local community and environment, and are working hard to ensure we meet increasingly stringent emissions limits.

“It’s disappointing to receive this letter from SEPA, but we recognise that during September and October 2017 there may have been an increase in dust emissions.

“We apologise for any inconvenience or concern this caused locally.

“Since then, we have continued to work closely with SEPA to investigate and put practical measures in place to improve our monitoring processes.”

George Robertson, vice-chairman of Dunbar Community Council, regularly attends meetings to do with the cement plant.

He said: “I don’t think this comes as too much of a surprise.

“The last event, Tarmac held their hands up and offered to valet people’s cars that were affected. I don’t think that anybody will be surprised that SEPA have followed up and wagged their finger at them.”

Mr Robertson also noted that Tarmac had taken steps in a bid to prevent any similar incidents happening in the future.