The US Environmental Protection Agency announced an agreement with the Nevada Cement Company to install new air pollution control technology at its Nevada facility and replace a heavy-duty diesel truck and a diesel railcar mover at the facility with clean emissions vehicles. Today’s agreement improves Nevada Cement’s compliance with federal clean air laws and resolves alleged violations of the Clean Air Act. The upgrade will reduce NOx emissions by approximately 1140tpa.

“This settlement will result in reduced air pollution in the greater Reno area,” said Alexis Strauss, EPA's Acting Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “The company’s facility upgrades will protect the health of workers and improve air quality for residents.”

According to a complaint filed in federal court by the US Department of Justice on EPA’s behalf, Nevada Cement made major modifications to its plant that led to significant increased emissions of NOx, without first obtaining a permit required by the Clean Air Act, and without installing necessary pollution control equipment. Major sources of air pollution are required to obtain such permits before making changes that would result in significant emissions increases of NOx and other pollutants.  

As part of the agreement, Nevada Cement will also pay a US$550,000 civil penalty.