A major Southern Arizona cement manufacturer will pay a $350,000 fine for violating federal air-quality regulations.
The deal announced Wednesday between CalPortland Co. and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency settles claims that the company did not obtain the proper permits for "major modifications" it made last year in operations at its plant near Marana.
Those changes resulted in a significant net increase in coarse particulates, which can harm public health, the EPA says.
But the fine, which EPA air enforcement officer Doug McDaniel said is on the "high side" of those imposed by his agency, is only part of the deal. It also requires the company to choose between two options designed to reduce future pollution.
One involves CalPortland's completing construction of what the EPA calls a new "state-of-the-art" kiln within 42 months. At that point, the company would have to shut down operation of four older kilns.
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If the company does not want to go ahead with the new kiln, it is required to upgrade the pollution control equipment on its existing kilns.
Company Vice President Scott Isaacson said that question remains undecided. "We're obligated to make that decision very promptly after the (federal) court has done its work and there's public comment on this," he said.
Isaacson said the issue surrounds plans by the company to make changes in its operation, which required a permit from the federal agency.
"The permit was issued by EPA based upon faulty information we provided," he said. That erroneously issued permit allowed the company to increase its pollution beyond what would have been allowed had CalPortland provided the EPA with the correct information.
According to the EPA, cement kilns emit coarse dust and dirt that can cause major health problems, including impaired breathing, lung damage, cancer and premature death.
The agency says the elderly, children and people with chronic respiratory problems are particularly sensitive to such pollution.
"This settlement will result in cleaner air for communities affected by the CalPortland facility," said Deborah Jordan, director of the EPA's Air Division for the Pacific Southwest region.
The consent decree, which was filed in U.S. District Court in Tucson, also includes possible additional penalties, up to $37,500 a day, for exceeding applicable standards.
"This settlement will result in cleaner air for communities affected by the CalPortland facility."
Deborah Jordan
director of the EPA's Air Division for the Pacific Southwest region
