Source: Environmental Integrity Project

The nonprofit, nonpartisan Environmental Integrity Project (EIP) announced its support for actions taken by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to reduce mercury emissions at Lehigh Cement Co.’s Union Bridge Plant in Carroll County, Md.

MDE outlined specific agreements with Lehigh Cement that will reduce mercury emissions by 80 percent by 2012, and thereby resolve a standing enforcement action taken by MDE earlier in 2007. EIP wrote to MDE Secretary Shari Wilson in October 2008 asking the state to limit mercury emissions from the plant after new data showed the cement kiln released nearly 400 lbs./year, making it the state’s second-largest emitter of mercury.
EIP Director Eric Schaeffer said: “The state’s consent agreement puts this plant on track to reduce those emissions at least 80 percent over the next three years, ahead of the deadline for complying with proposed federal regulations. Maryland’s Attorney General and Department of the Environment deserve our thanks today for taking action to reduce these threats, with the apparent cooperation of Lehigh.”
Schaeffer added: “Lehigh’s permits should be amended to reflect this agreement, and to require continuous monitoring of mercury emissions to make sure that pollution controls are working as intended. The revised permit should also include close monitoring of any additional pollutants that may be associated with the combustion of biosolids at the plant.”