Putnam Co. Cement Maker to Pay Fines for Emissions
Aerial view of Lone Star cement plant in Greencastle. (image courtesy: Buzzi Unichem USA webpage)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe operators of a cement manufacturing plant in Greencastle have agreed to pay more than $700,000 in civil penalties for violating federal and state emission standards. Lone Star Industries, which operates as Buzzi Unichem USA, says it will also spend $1.4 million to bring the Putnam County plant and its pollution control equipment into compliance to resolve federal Clean Air Act violations.
It’s part of a settlement to resolve a complaint brought by the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.
The Justice Department says the complaint was filed simultaneously with the settlement and alleges numerous long-standing CAA violations at the Greencastle plant that date back to 2010.
The government says the company violated multiple limits on particulate releases into the atmosphere which can cause health problems.
The DOJ says the company will also be required to limit emissions from the burning of hazardous wastes using to heat its cement kiln.
“This settlement is a reminder that industrial facilities must comply with the law and prevent illegal emissions of harmful pollutants from plant operations,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jean Williams of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “The settlement requires Lone Star to improve its processes and pollution controls to protect air quality and the public health in surrounding communities.”
The $729,000 in civil penalties will be split equally between the U.S. and the State of Indiana.
The settlement is now in a 30-day public comment period, awaiting final court approval in U.S. District Court.