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EPA reaches agreement with Lehigh Cement

Release Date: 09/27/2006
Contact Information: William Omohundro, (312) 353-8254, omohundro.william@epa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 06-OPA166

CHICAGO (Sept. 27, 2006) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has 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.

The agreement, which includes an $84,378 penalty, resolves EPA allegations that Lehigh failed to maintain cement kiln exhaust gas temperatures at levels that ensure compliance with dioxin and furan emissions limits. EPA also alleged that the company failed to comply with limits on opacity or the amount of light obscured by dust emissions.

There is evidence that dioxins may cause liver damage and probably can cause cancer in humans, while furans may also cause cancer.

Inhaling high concentrations of dust can affect children, the elderly and people with heart and lung diseases the most.