U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has reached an agreement with Lehigh Cement Company on alleged clean-air violations at the company's Portland cement plant at 121 N. First Street in Mitchell, Ind.
The agreement, which includes a $74,700 penalty, resolves EPA allegations that Lehigh violated national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants for Portland cement plants and its state operating permit by discharging excessive amounts of particulates (dust, soot, ash) from one of its clinker coolers.
Hazardous air pollutants may cause serious health effects including birth defects and cancer. They may also cause harmful environmental and ecological effects.
Inhaling high concentrations of particulates can affect children, the elderly and people with heart and lung diseases the most.
Information about EPA Region 5's air enforcement program is at http://www.epa.gov/region5/air/enforce/index.html. Potential environmental violations may be reported at http://www.epa.gov/compliance/complaints.