Even though the North Carolina Department of Air Quality doesn't seem to be too bothered about the voluminous smog- and ozone-producing pollutants the proposed Titan Cement plant will emit (NO2, CO, VOCs, among others), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is. Today the agency announced plans to implement much stricter emissions levels for such pollutants than those set by the previous Bush Administration, after the weaker standards were challenged by states and environmental groups in court. The new rules are expected to result in substantial public health benefits, particularly for children.

“E.P.A. is stepping up to protect Americans from one of the most persistent and widespread pollutants we face,” Lisa P. Jackson, the agency’s administrator, said in a statement. “Smog in the air we breathe poses a very serious health threat, especially to children and individuals suffering from asthma and lung disease. It dirties our air, clouds our cities and drives up our health care costs across the country.”

Many of you may recall that last year the American Lung Association gave New Hanover County a "D" in air quality because we had 7 days in 2007 in which ozone exceeded the weaker Bush Administration standard. What you might not know is that Titan's Roanoke Cement plant was one of three major point sources of ozone-producing pollutants identified by EPA as contributing to non-attainment of the federal ozone standard in the Roanoke Valley.

And that plant is half the size of the one they want to build here. 

The bottom line? In just the last 12 months, EPA has proposed new, stricter standards specifically for the cement industry in an effort to reduce harmful emissions of mercury, hydrochloric acid, and a host of other toxic air pollutants. Aside from these newly proposed ozone regs and upcoming CO2 regulations, the EPA will also likely propose new stricter Federal standards for tire burning and fly ash. All of these regulations will apply directly to Titan's cement operations.

All the more reason to hold off on any air permit until the regulatory dust settles--or at the very least force Titan to include all the current available technology in its permit to meet the new standards for mercury, HCL, and other pollutants.

Breathe deep, and have a happy and healthy 2010 from your Friends at stoptitan.org

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