CHICAGO (April 21, 2004) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 5 has cited Lehigh Cement Co. for alleged clean-air violations
at the company's portland cement plant at 121 N. First St., Mitchell,
Ind.
EPA alleges Lehigh failed to apply for and get a permit to prevent
significant deterioration of air quality when it modified its cement
kilns in 2003. The modification caused a substantial increase in
carbon monoxide emissions. EPA said the company continues to operate
the kilns without this permit.
Companies must get permits that restrict emissions from their
plants before they can modify them in ways that increase emissions
if the plants are located in areas that already comply with all
national outdoor air-quality standards. These permits are designed
to prevent deterioration of air quality in areas with clean air.
These are preliminary findings of violations. To resolve them,
EPA may issue a compliance order, assess an administrative penalty
or bring suit against the company. Lehigh has 30 days from receipt
of the notice to meet with EPA to discuss resolving the allegations.
"EPA's mission is to protect public health and the environment," said
Acting Regional Administrator Bharat Mathur. "We will take
whatever steps are needed to ensure compliance with the Clean Air
Act."
When carbon monoxide enters the bloodstream, it reduces delivery
of oxygen to the body's organs and tissues. Exposure to high levels
of carbon monoxide can impair vision, hand movement, learning ability
and performance of complex tasks, and can also cause death.
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