Preparations are under way for an Environmental Impact Statement that will assess the controversial proposal by Hoclim, Inc. to burn tires for fuel at its cement plant at Trident, east of Three Forks.

The state's Department of Environmental Quality already completed a draft environmental assessment -- a scaled down version of an EIS -- that was released last February. The state agency also had issued a draft permit.

However, after numerous contentious public meetings and protests from people who live downwind of the plant, the DEQ decided to do a more in-depth EIS on the proposal.

Holcim is proposing to use tire-derived fuel for up to 15 percent of the heat for its cement kiln. The measure is intended to supplement coal, petroleum coke, and natural gas currently being used as fuel. Holcim will also need a solid waste permit from the DEQ.

The EIS should more completely identify the potential impacts on human health and the environment associated with the use of tire-derived fuel at Holcim's cement plant, according to DEQ officials.

The draft air quality permit and the final EA may be viewed on DEQ's website at www.deq.state.mt.us.

Although no dates have been set, meetings will be held in January to determine the range of the EIS.

All comments that were submitted on the draft permit or the EA will also be used to help develop the new document. But the DEQ will accept further public comments on the proposal until Jan. 16.

Written comments can be sent to Greg Hallsten, DEQ Director's Office, P.O. Box 100901, Helena, MT 59620-0901, or e-mailed to ghallsten@state.mt.us.