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EPA reaches agreement with Lehigh Cement

Release Date: 7/12/2005
Contact Information:

CONTACT: William Omohundro, (312) 353-8254

For Immediate Release
No. 05-OPA112

CHICAGO (July 12, 2005) — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5has reached an agreement with Lehigh Cement Co. on alleged clean-air violations at the company's portland cement plant at 121 N. First St., Mitchell, Ind. EPA assessed a $40,000 penalty.

The agreement resolves EPA allegations that Lehigh exceeded the carbon monoxide emission limit in its state operating permit.

Under the agreement, Lehigh will conduct carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide emission tests to show the optimum raw material feed levels needed to meet the permitted emission limits for both pollutants. Lehigh must then apply for a modification of its state operating permit to reflect these test results.

When carbon monoxide enters the bloodstream, it reduces delivery of oxygen to the body's organs and tissues. Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can impair vision, hand movement, learning ability and performance of complex tasks, and can also cause death.