EPA calls for clearer visibility in Montana region, USA

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said that two cement plants in the Montana area need to invest in measures to improve visibility in wilderness areas and national parks.

The EPA says upgrades are needed at Ash Grove’s cement plant near Montana City and Holcim’s cement plant near Three Forks as well as the Colstrip power plant. The three plants would need to spend a combined estimated US$90m on the required improvements.

The agency says the proposal would clear the air in the Big Sky State of thousands of tonnes of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide annually which create a haze that can obscure visibility.