The GCC Dacotah cement plant in Rapid City raised prices five per cent last week to cover costs associated with new Environmental Protection Agency emissions regulations.

The surcharge likely will be passed on to consumers of cement-based products, such as ready-mix concrete, and could ultimately mean less work for builders and contractors.

Rapid City cement plant manager Steve Post said cement manufacturers throughout the country are making similar pricing moves to pay for the cost of new and updated emissions-control technology.