EPA Cites Essroc For Clean-Air Violations

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has cited Essroc Italcementi Group for alleged violations of federal and state clean air regulations at the company's portland cement plant in Logansport, Ind.

EPA alleges that Essroc modified its cement kilns, causing an increase in sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, without getting a permit to prevent significant deterioration of air quality. Before existing air-pollutant sources can be modified in areas that comply with all national outdoor air-quality standards, companies must get permits that restrict their emissions.

Other allegations include failure to use best available control technology to control sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions and failure to comply with other permitting requirements.

"EPA's mission is to protect public health and the environment," said Region 5 Administrator Thomas V. Skinner. "We will take whatever steps are needed to ensure compliance with the Clean Air Act."