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EPA Proposes to Slash Mercury Emissions from Cement Plants

Release Date: 04/21/2009
Contact Information: Cathy Milbourn, (202) 564-4355 / 7849 / [email protected]

(Washington, D.C. – April 21, 2009) EPA is proposing to significantly reduce mercury emissions from Portland cement kilns, the fourth-largest source of mercury air emissions in the U.S. The proposal would set the nation’s first limits on mercury emissions from existing Portland cement kilns and would strengthen the limits for new kilns.

The proposed standards also would set emission limits for total hydrocarbons, particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide from cement kilns of all sizes, and would reduce hydrochloric acid emissions from kilns that are large emitters.

“We can save more than a thousand lives each year, sharply reduce mercury and other toxins in our air and water, and work with industry to encourage innovations and good ideas that are already out there,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “Mercury and other chemicals flowing into these communities are health hazards for children, pregnant mothers, local residents and workers - people who deserve protection.”

Mercury in the air eventually deposits into water, where it changes into methylmercury, a highly toxic form that builds up in fish. Americans are primarily exposed to mercury by eating contaminated fish. Because the developing fetus is the most sensitive to the toxic effects of methylmercury, women of childbearing age and children are regarded as the population of greatest concern.

The majority of the toxic emissions at cement kilns come from the burning of fuels and heating of raw materials. When fully implemented in 2013, EPA estimates that this rule would reduce annual emissions by at least:

• Mercury – 11,600 pounds, a reduction of 81 percent
• Total hydrocarbons – 11,700 tons, or 75 percent
• Particulate matter – 10,500 tons, or 96 percent
• Hydrochloric acid – 2,800 tons, or 94 percent
• Sulfur dioxide – 160,000 tons, or 90 percent