EPA proposes slashing mercury emissions from cement plants
The US Environmental Protection Agency is taking public comments on a proposal to reduce mercury emissions and other pollutants from kilns.
Cemex spokeswoman Jennifer Borgen said the international corporation’s officials don’t yet know the full impact the EPA’s proposal could have on Cemex’s plants, one of which is in Lyons.
“Because each plant is different, there is no easy one-size-fits-all solution or technology,” Borgen said.
But, she emphasized in an e-mailed statement last week, “the Cemex Lyons plant is in compliance with all health and environmental requirements regarding our permit.”
Jeremy Nichols, climate and energy program director for WildEarth Guardians, said his organization supports the stricter proposed EPA emissions limits.
The EPA has estimated the proposal would reduce cement kiln mercury emissions by 11,600 to 16,250 pounds nationwide — as much as a 93 percent reduction — within three years after final rules are promulgated.