United States: Cemex fined US$1.69m over air pollution

Cemex has reached a deal with US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) whereby the company will pay a US$1.69m fine and install pollution-control equipment in five of its American plants, the Knoxville News Sentinel reports.

The company will also be required to carry out energy audits at its plants and spend a further US$150,000 on energy efficiency projects.

Last week saw the EPA file a federal complaint concerning air pollution arising from Cemex’s operations in Knoxville, Louisville, Demopolis, Odessa and New Braunfels. The agency was concerned that modifications to raw mills, clinker coolers and kilns had led to an increase in NOx emissions.  

Having reached a settlement with the EPA, Cemex released a statement which read: “CEMEX and its affiliate, Kosmos Cement Company, have voluntarily entered into an agreement with the EPA regarding alleged historical violations at five cement plants.

"The settlement resolves a long-running dispute with the EPA regarding its allegations in connection with historical operations at the five plants. Under the settlement, additional emissions monitoring and reduction equipment will be installed at the plants."