Keystone Cement Co, based in Bath, PA, has agreed to pay nearly US$200,000 for violating air quality standards over a four-year period, the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) said.

According to a DEP statement, the company exceeded emission limits for certain pollutants and failed to satisfactorily self-report data from its continuous emissions monitoring system, which monitors sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide produced during kiln operations, local press reported.

In addition, from September 2013 through June 2014, DEP inspectors noted pressure-drop violations related to the air pollution control equipment.

The violations occurred after Keystone replaced two of its cement kilns with a single larger, more efficient kiln in 2009. Data from the emissions monitoring system is submitted to DEP every quarter for review to determine whether the company is operating in compliance with applicable emission limits.

Money from the civil penalty of US$197,203 will go to the Pennsylvania Clean Air Fund, which is administered by DEP for use in programs designed to reduce air pollution. (Source: Allentown Morning Call)