Mercury and Toxic Air Pollutant Limits Set for the Cement Industry by the US EPA

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, with authority to regulate emissions under the Clean Air Act, has set limits for the first time on toxic emissions including mercury and fine particulate matter affecting both existing and new cement plants. The EPA estimates that these regulations, which are slated to be fully implemented in 2013, will reduce cement manufacturing mercury emissions by 92%, total hydrocarbons by 83%, particulate matter by 92%, acid gases by 97%, sulfur dioxide by 78% and nitrogen oxides by 5%. While these regulations don’t look to address greenhouse gases, they do indicate a willingness by the EPA to finally step up with industry regulation in the absence of follow through by Congress, and according to the agency, greenhouse gas regulations on the industry are forthcoming. The cement industry ranks among the top mercury polluters in the US and it is listed in the ranks of the top sources of greenhouse gas emissions as well.

Portland cement is a widely used inexpensive material found in concrete, mortar, plasters, stucco, and some grouts. It hardens when mixed with water to create a water-resistant product. Its most common use is in concrete, which is used for buildings, roads, dams, sidewalks and a host of other things we use daily. Unfortunately, its manufacture impacts the environment at all stages and causes adverse health effects . Mercury emitted into the air ultimately settles in the water where organisms convert it to methylmercury, a neurotoxin, which bio-accumulates in fish. The primary exposure route for humans is through consumption of the fish. Methylmercury has been linked to reproductive and developmental problems in wildlife and memory loss, fertility problems and blood pressure problems in humans. Mercury has also been listed as a possible carcinogen. Mercury is particularly harmful to developing fetuses and children, potentially damaging the development of their brains and nervous systems. Air pollution, from particulate matter and other hazardous air pollutants that fall under this regulation, has been linked to asthma, bronchitis, heart conditions and premature death in people suffering from heart and lung disease. A statement by EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson relays the agency’s concern for protecting human health. "This administration is committed to reducing pollution that is hurting the health of our communities. With this historic step, we are going a long way in accomplishing that goal. By reducing harmful pollutants in the air we breathe, we cut the risk of asthma attacks and save lives." The agency estimates that between 960 and 2,500 incidents of premature mortality, 32,000 respiratory symptoms and 1,500 heart attacks along with 130,000 lost work days will be avoided because of fine particulate reduction in the first year of implementation. Wow.

Why wasn’t this done sooner? Intense industry lobbying, as usual. Here is a letter from the Portland Cement Association (PCA) requesting a delay in ruling while harping on adverse economic impacts including the loss of American jobs as a result of plant closures and the increased cost of public infrastructure. A study published on the PCA website, released by Bernard L. Weinstein, Associate Director of the School of Business at Maguire Energy Institute, looks at the Economic Impacts of Cement Industry Regulation and seems to be the basis of some of the association’s statements. According to the Center for Environment, Commerce and Energy the following quote can be attributed to Brian McCarthy, CEO of PCA, who states “Compliance with the rule will cost the industry several billion dollars, and require investments in pollution control equipment at a time when available capital is considerably constrained due to the state of the economy…This could lead to additional cement plant closures, job losses and a reduction in U.S. cement production capacity. More cement will need to be imported to make up for shrinking domestic supply. We fear this could constrain the U.S. government’s efforts to stimulate the economy, create jobs and rehabilitate the nation’s infrastructure. Additionally, imports of cement, mostly likely from developing nations, will cause global increases of greenhouse gas, mercury and other pollutant emissions.” It’s always about the money.

The EPA has found that the health and environmental benefits that yield in the billions will far outweigh the costs which will be incurred by the industry to clean up its act by installing pollution controls. One model used to determine the possible economic impact of the regulations found that a price increase of 5.4% could result, with a possible 11% reduction in domestic production and an increase of imports by 3 million metric tons per year, with an industry profit loss of $241 million annually. While using a limited approach to determining job declines suggest a loss of approximately 1,500 jobs (a number amplified by the industry), studies looking at the projected employment change based on the larger picture create a net employment change of 600 jobs lost to 1,300 jobs created. Looking at this data, and comparing it to the number of lives saved, the quality of life gained and the astronomical savings in health care costs, these numbers look pretty insignificant. What is the value of human life and at what cost is industry willing to continue with the irresponsible status quo? Perhaps someday the cement industry, and industry in general, will hold the health and well-being of the people affected by their manufacturing processes, and resources essential for the healthy future of the planet, in higher regard than their bottom lines. Until then, let’s hope for more mandatory regulations imposed by government agencies with the power to make a difference by forcing changes for the better to be made.

The complete EPA ruling, dated August 9, 2010, can be found at this link.