EPA proposal on mercury limits

Lower limits would threaten jobs, representatives say. The cement industry is raising concerns that a proposed Environmental Protection Agency plan to reduce mercury emissions for cement kilns could cost jobs.

The EPA proposal would cut emissions of the powerful neurotoxin by almost 200 pounds a year in Central Texas; the first of its kind for mercury from cement kilns amd the result of a lengthy legal battle with environmental groups and nine states.

If approved, the new standards would be fully effective in 2013. It is expected the standards would reduce mercury emissions by 11,600 pounds, or about 81 percent, from the more than 100 cement kilns around the country, according to the EPA.
There are 10 cement kilns in Texas — including one in Buda and two in New Braunfels. The state’s kilns emitted 446 pounds of mercury into air in 2007, according to EPA data.

More than half came from a New Braunfels, Texas Cemex plant, which sent out 225 pounds of mercury from its stacks. TXI’s plant near New Braunfels is the state’s second-largest mercury emitter, while theTexas Lehigh kiln in Buda, Texas is fifth on that list.

TXI spokesman Randy Jones said the proposed standards might not be achievable, which in turn could push cement manufacturing overseas, and assessment shared by .the Portland Cement Association.

Mercury is known to be particularly dangerous to young children and developing fetuses. It is known to cause permanent brain and kidney damage, among other health problems. Mercury is often ingested through eating fish, which can absorb mercury in the environment. Coal-burning power plants are the most common manmade source. Mercury emitted from the kilns can settle in water and pose a threat to people who eat fish.

Many of the state’s lakes and rivers have fish bans or health advisories for certain species because of mercury contamination.

The new regulations would also limit the total hydrocarbons, particulate matter and sulfur dioxide from cement kilns, as well as limit hydrochloric acid emissions from large kilns. The federal government is accepting comment on the proposed new rules for 60 days.
 
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