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States sue EPA over cement plant pollution

Feb, 25 2007

Maryland joins others claiming agency soft on plant pollution (Md) – Eight states have joined Maryland and filed suit against the US EPA (environmental protection Agency) for pollution from Cement plants. The suit was filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals in the District of Columbia. State officials from New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey and Pennsylvania contend the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's rule regarding Portland cement plants violates the federal Clean Air Act. The states say the latest rule wouldn't force lowering of emissions. "Federal laws should be stronger," said Robert Ballenger of the Maryland environmental office. "We want to see higher federal standards." Patricia Flesher, manager of media relations for the Portland Cement Association, said there are three Portland cement plants in the state and one grinding plant. The plants are Essroc Cement on Buckeystown Pike in Frederick; Lehigh Cement Co. in Union Bridge; and St. Lawrence Cement in Hagerstown. Lafarge, which operates a quarry in Frederick, has a cement grinding plant at Sparrows Point in Baltimore. The association has adopted a voluntary program related to environmental issues, including reduction of carbon dioxide and cement kiln dust, as well as improving energy efficiency. The association is also looking at ways to reduce the sources of mercury in cement manufacturing, including the use of "wet scrubbers" to address mercury emissions. "This coalition of states is resorting to the federal courts in an effort to compel the EPA to follow the law and establish limits for the most dangerous pollutants," said New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. "The agency will review the matter and respond appropriately in due course," EPA spokesman John Millett said, according to the Associated Press. The EPA says it has reduced mercury air emissions by 45 percent since 1990 and has programs in place to limit mercury emissions from power plants. Last year, the EPA announced new emission limits for cement kilns to cut mercury and hydrocarbon releases. The cement is made nationwide and used widely in road and building construction.