| June 24, 2008 The South
Coast Air Quality Management District announced a settlement today in an
enforcement action against TXI, a Texas-based building materials company
operating a cement plant in Riverside. Under the terms of the settlement,
TXI will pay $1 million and implement measures to reduce dust emissions near
the plant.
TXI Riverside Cement came under the scrutiny of AQMD when air monitors
located in Rubidoux—approximately 2.7 miles from the cement plant-- detected
elevated levels of hexavalent chromium. Hexavalent chromium, which occurs
naturally in rocks and minerals, including those used to make cement, is a
designated human carcinogen.
The Rubidoux air monitors were part of an AQMD regional study of air
toxics called MATES III. Upon detecting elevated hexavalent chromium levels
at the Rubidoux monitors, AQMD began an exhaustive review of nearby sources
of hexavalent chromium, ultimately identifying TXI’s Riverside cement plant
as a source of hexavalent chromium.
“AQMD used cutting-edge scientific methods to track down the source of
this cancer-causing pollution and has taken aggressive measures to reduce
pollution from this facility,” said Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env., executive
officer of the South Coast Air Quality Management District. “This
settlement agreement will ensure that public health is better protected and
that emission reduction efforts continue at the facility.”
Under the terms of the settlement, Riverside Cement will:
- Stop adding any new clinker to open storage piles;
- Remove the majority of gray clinker stored in open piles by August 15,
with the remainder to be removed by November 30;
- Hire one or more “environmental observers” to continuously monitor the
facility and prevent dust-causing activities from occurring. This monitor
will have authority to order the immediate cessation of dust-causing
activities;
- Maintain a wind monitoring system and take appropriate steps to
discontinue activities if wind speeds or gusts are detected above
acceptable levels;
- Provide monthly status updates on efforts to clean up and remove open
storage clinker piles to all residences and businesses within ¼ mile of
the facility; and
- Place signage with AQMD’s toll-free complaint line at the property.
Riverside Cement will also pay $1 million -- $400,000 in civil penalties,
$200,000 to partially reimburse AQMD for costs related to the investigation,
and $400,000 to be invested in supplemental environmental projects at the
facility to further reduce dust emissions, as approved by AQMD.
In October, the AQMD Governing Board will consider proposed amendments to
its Rule 1156 – PM10 Emission Reductions from Cement Manufacturing
Facilities -- to require complete enclosure of clinker material piles at all
cement manufacturing facilities in the Southland. AQMD will hold a public
workshop on the proposed rule amendments on Wed., July 2, at 6:00 p.m. at
Bloomington High School Auditorium, 10750 Laurel Avenue to discuss the
proposed changes.
AQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major
portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
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