The Portland Cement Association (PCA) today filed a Petition for Reconsideration and Administrative Stay with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on a number of issues in the final portland cement national emission standard for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAP).

The NESHAP rule, signed by the EPA Administrator in August, was published in the Federal Register as a final rule on September 9, 2010 (75 Fed. Reg. 54970). The rule will require portland cement facilities to limit emissions of mercury, total hydrocarbons, hydrochloric acid and particulate matter. The compliance date for the cement industry is September 9, 2013.

"PCA supports the rising demand for portland cement through environmentally and socially responsible business practices," said Brian McCarthy, PCA CEO and president. "The NESHAP emission limits are very low and will not be achievable by a number of facilities. We are concerned that the rule presents a significant threat to the continued viability of many cement companies, high paying jobs at cement facilities and the local communities."