On April 21, 2009, the EPA proposed new regulations to limit mercury and other pollutants from Portland Cement plants like Lafarge in Ravena, NY. These regulations came after a lengthy legal battle involving several states (including NY) and several environmental groups (including our friends at Friends of Hudson). According to the EPA, if these regulations become law it will result in a reduction in mercury of about 80 to 90% nationally. Hydrocarbons, hydrochloric acid, sulfer dioxide and particulate matter would also be reduced. These proposed regulations are set to become law in 2010 and will likely go into effect in 2013.
Existing plants would be allowed to emit 43 pounds of mercury per million tons of clinker produced. According to a 2008 report submitted by Lafarge to DEC, at about an annual 85% production rate, they produce 1,604,418 tons of clinker. Under the proposed new EPA terms, that amount of clinker would allow about 69 pounds of mercury to be emitted from Lafarge in Ravena.
To download the new EPA proposed guidelines, go to http://www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg/t3pfpr.html
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