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PA FIRST PERMIT IN NATION ISSUED TO BURN HAZ. WASTE IN C.KILN

Release Date: 8/16/96
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PA FIRST PERMIT IN NATION ISSUED TO BURN HAZ. WASTE IN C.KILN

FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 1996

FIRST PERMIT IN NATION ISSUED TO BURN HAZARDOUS WASTE IN CEMENT KILNS

The first permit to burn hazardous waste as fuel -- including limits on toxic air emissions -- under the Boiler and Industrial Furnace (BIF) regulations has been issued to the Ash Grove Cement Co. in Chanute, Kan., in a joint action by EPA Region 7, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The permit requires Ash Grove to comply with emissions standards for toxic metals and organic compounds at all times while burning hazardous waste in cement kilns. The permit also requires Ash Grove to conduct periodic soil sampling and to sample a nearby lake to ensure that mercury is not accumulating in fish tissue. The BIF Rule, which was issued Feb. 21, 1991, under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, places controls on cement kilns burning hazardous waste as fuel. The BIF Rule regulates air emissions when hazardous waste is burned in boilers and industrial furnaces, which include cement kilns. EPA, in responding to concerns expressed by citizens about the cumulative effects of hazardous waste burning in Southeast Kansas, is initiating a health study to better address these concerns. EPA will provide additional information as it becomes available. A fact sheet on the Ash Grove permit can be obtained by calling EPA Region 7 at 913-551-7003 or the Environmental Action Line at 800-223-0425.

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