Study points to cement plants
Findings indicate mercury pollution worse than thought
File/provided by Lafarge North America
Mercury emissions from cement operations, including Lafarge's Harleyville plant, were cited in a study by two environmental groups.
Cement factories, including one near Harleyville, are much bigger mercury polluters than previously thought — worse in some cases than coal-fired power plants, a study by two environmental groups found.
Using new data collected by the Environmental Protection Agency, the analysis by Earthjustice and the Environmental Integrity Project also found "mercury accounting gaps" that raise questions about whether cement companies properly report pollutants from their plants.
Prodded by lawsuits, the EPA collected data last year from nine cement companies about how much mercury-laden fuel their kilns burn.
Based on this data, the EPA recently estimated that cement kilns nationwide pump out about 23,000 pounds of mercury, almost twice their previous estimate of 12,000 pounds.
That means cement plants are among the worst mercury polluters of any kind in the country, said Eric Schaeffer, a former EPA director and founder of the Environmental Integrity Project.
Mercury is a potent neurotoxin known to cause health problems in tiny amounts. Released during the combustion process, mercury emissions land in waterways and begin their trek up the food chain, building up in fish and people who eat them.
State health officials have found high levels of mercury in fish in more than 1,700 miles of South Carolina rivers, mainly in the coastal plain, and in coastal waters. In last year's series, "The Mercury Connection," The Post and Courier identified several areas where fish have particularly high concentrations of mercury.
One of these hot spots was in the Edisto/Four Holes Swamp area, home to a Scana coal-fired power plant and cement operations run by Lafarge and Giant Cement.
In their study, Earthjustice and the Environmental Integrity Project said Lafarge's Harleyville plant annually burns materials containing 206 pounds of mercury, but that the company told federal regulators it released only 78 pounds.
Because mercury is an element, it isn't destroyed in the burning process. "It has to go somewhere," said James Pew, an attorney with Earthjustice.
Lafarge's plant manager, Scarth MacDonnell, called the groups' calculations "irresponsible. There's a big sense of fear that it's three times what we say, but we've done our homework."
MacDonnell said that his staff tests emissions from the plant's stacks to reach the 78-pound number, and that they also did calculations using EPA's new methods. "We validated within a margin of error our stack test of 78 pounds, so we don't think the 206 pounds is a valid number." Pew said the groups received their data about Lafarge and other cement factories from the EPA, which collected it from the company. He said the 206-pound estimate represented the upper bounds of what the plant likely emits.
Giant Cement wasn't included in the study and reported emitting 33 pounds of mercury in 2006. That plant burns hazardous wastes, while Lafarge burns coal and nonhazardous wastes.
Officials with Giant Cement could not be reached for comment late Wednesday. Earlier this month, DHEC reported that it had fined the company $34,000 for failing to implement sufficient dust-control measures and properly certify eight routine monitoring reports.
The environmental groups want cement companies to install better pollution control and continuous-monitoring equipment.
"It has taken EPA forever to get to this problem," said Schaeffer, who left his job as director of EPA's Office of Regulatory Enforcement in 2002 over frustration with what he said were the Bush administration's efforts to weaken the Clean Air Act and other laws.
Reach Tony Bartelme at 937-5554 or tbartelme@postandcourier.com.
E-mail this story 
Printer-friendly version
Notice about comments:
The Post and Courier is pleased to offer readers the ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. The Post and Courier does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not postandcourier.com. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "suggest removal" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our Web site.
Full terms and conditions can be read here.
Comments
This article has 36 comment(s)
Posted by zoomru on July 24, 2008 at 3:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Tony....keep KWAWING...
Somebody is playing "Hide the Mercury"....
Ultimately it all boils down to EVERYONE looking in the mirror and assessing themselves. Whether it is
Cement Factories,
Individual Burning,
WESTVACO-MEAD,
Montenay,
BEEs FERRY,
GAS Stations,
Paint companies,
Sewage Disposal,
...the list goes ON and ON.....
What is PROFOUNDLY CLEAR is that when we have NEW technology to solve our problems it is in Everyone's best interest to capitalize on it and use IT to the CITIZENS' advantage....period!
When politicians rape taxpayers and continue to ALLOW out moded processes for OUR trash disposal or contaminate analyzation...that is appalling and CRIMINAL.
MONTENAY (the Incinerator Operator) ..YOUR business model has Officially changed....! If you are not willing to face the facts or invest to USE NEW technology; then, it is up to OUR leaders to cicle the wagons to protect US and take advantage of new technology for OUR WELL BEING! You know full well that the PLASMA Machines from www.startech.net will solve OUR lowcountry waste problems. The questions is ...DO YOU have MORALS?!! DO you have a sense of Stewardship? I don't know who is the biggest rapist....Montenay (operator), AT&T (Owner), North Carolina Power and LIGHT (Energy Purchaser), Charleston County COUNCIL(Contract Awarder), DHEC(Permiter), or the Post & Courier (Guard Dog)? ..BUT.. I do know WHO is at fault...ALL OF YOU.
According to this article, if I remember correctly, this mercury is generated from the POTASH production for material to make CEMENT. Well, find ways to alter or close loop the system to minimize the release of this Mercury? Will it take thought? Yes.
Will is take stewardship? Yes.
Will it take money? Yes.
Will it take teamwork? Yes.
Will it take accountability? Yes.
Will it cost jobs? No... We NEED CEMENT!
Tony .. IVAN.. Charles and the rest of the Post "Posse": These articles are informative and warranted; but they are pieces to a puzzle that most readers just don't SEE, or they do and don't understand the ramifications? They need it to be graphical, encompassing the whole lowcountry, divulging all companies, identifying by NAME all individuals responsible, revealing guiding laws and policy and highlighting "barricading" political hurdles and who stands to GAIN or LOSE. There is a way out for all parties invloved..most notably the TAXPAYER!! You just need to figure out a way and have the GUTS to publish it!
Lets go people............
Posted by moonpie on July 24, 2008 at 6:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
DHEC is a joke! I wondered the same things JohnQ2. How about auto immune diseases? I have several family members that "all of a sudden" popped up with RA,lupus, etc? Not a family history thing either as no one in our past had this. I think these plants, industries, DHEC have knowingly poisoned us. God knows that has never happened before, right?!
Posted by suec on July 24, 2008 at 7:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
And people wonder why companies are moving to Mexico.
Posted by BulldogTLC on July 24, 2008 at 8:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Just a thought to ponder. The Mercury is not being created at these plants. The amount of mercury does not change because of anything that happens at these plants. Sure it may be released, but it was somewhere before, be it in the ground, etc.
Posted by zekemire on July 24, 2008 at 8:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Earth justice, is that a subsidiary of the ELF?
Posted by drp7773 on July 24, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
yeah lets get the tree huggers to make a bigger deal of this hell lets get the big fines out there for these business's that way they can lay off people, the world is not perfect and it can not be perfect over night. The economy is in the tank so lets just lose more jobs , that will show them huh.
Posted by drp7773 on July 24, 2008 at 9:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Johnqless ,
Since you are an idiot and this has been seen by your post and confirmed by most on here I will only say, thank god you are not smart enough to have a job making decisions for the state. Just sit back in your little fog of the world and worry about what bothers you and not the welfare of many.This will make you sleep better at night knowing you did your best venting and wanting companies to lay off people to fix an expensive problem,instead of taking time and doing it right and just. Calling people idiots, what a waste of human breath you are and gutless to boot.
Posted by cutekats on July 24, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The cement plants have been this area's bread and butter for many years but the employees did not know just how bad the hazards were to the community. My family alone has had at least 8 cases of cancer and at least 3 cases of "strange" diseases!!! I've suspected this for years and as hard as it has hurt my heart, I've encouraged my children and grandchildren to live elsewhere. A true shame because our area is so beautiful and our hearts are here.
Posted by 512c on July 24, 2008 at 10:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Johnq2
right on!
drp7773, do you work for the city/state? (shudders)...
Posted by panasonic on July 24, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Whenever anyone calls someone an idiot or any other name, they immediately loose credibility with me. Just my thoughts.
I would be interested to see a little more site specific information to see if the cement plants are operating within the limits of their permits, as they should be. Before I go jumping to any conclusions.
Posted by goahead on July 24, 2008 at 10:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with drp7773. He appears to have the capability to think through the situation based on facts, and not opinions and emotions. This is a complex situation that will take time to solve; if it is truely as bad as has been reported here. I for one appreciate your thoughts.
Posted by farfallaspeaks on July 24, 2008 at 10:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"The environmental groups want cement companies to install better pollution control and continuous-monitoring equipment."
Just do it already.
If it's that bad, I'm happy it's getting some attention.
Posted by drp7773 on July 24, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
lets just look at the tomato scare look at the millions of dollars lost for what, somebody jump the gun. It's good to be careful but come on this was a total reckless act. And now its hot peppers, ooops maybe that is. How many jobs were lost and will be lost because of this. I'm all for changes but lets think before we speak and scare folks and noy let one newspaper aritcle sway our views. Bias reporters do have axes to grind sometimes.And as fot thr idiot remark, Qless struck first and was out of line to do so when one expresses views different then theirs.
Posted by panasonic on July 24, 2008 at 10:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe I should do a little better job proof reading next time. My apology. My point was that the comment sections should be an arena for an open exchange of opinions, without people resorting to name calling.
Posted by patricycle77 on July 24, 2008 at 11:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"It is becoming clearer and clearer why DHEC refuses to use their Mercury testing equipment to test citizens near the coal fired power plants and cement plants, they know it will show the people have been poisoned and their own failure to protect the citizens of this state will be discovered."
Johnq2, I have read similar posts of yours. I do not disagree that mercury pollution is a problem and can lead to numerous health problems. However, it is important to remember that DHEC is a regulatory and enforcement agency, not an environmental protection agency. Mercury testing would not fall under their authority or agency responsibilities - sad but true. But perhaps with some public pressure, they could team with the Department of Health and Human Services to see this through. Also, anyone interested in having testing done (and can afford it but it isn't expensive) can do so at a local lab.
Secondly, the Federal Government regulates air quality under the Clean Air Act. Some states have been authorized to implement the federal guidelines (and may also have more stringent requirements). It was only February when mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants were added back to the list of hazardous air pollutant sources, and the EPA itself has only recently become aware of the environmental affects of these plants. Also, as I've said in previous posts, since these emissions are into the air they can't be regulated under the Clean Water Act b/c they are not from a point source into the water directly. Because they aren't, it is harder for regulating agencies to implement the same stringent requirements such as MDL (maximum daily load) into a waterway.
Just some things to think about...
Posted by Rebel_Yell on July 24, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It would take more workers to perform the pollution control. There would be more jobs, but less profits at the top which is the bottom line to the owners. If they want to move and poison Mexico's rivers, then get the hell out. They only came to SC because we're as backwards as the Mexican government and our leaders allowed it to take place in the first place. All those laid off workers can go fishing and eat for free and collect unemployment. The science is concrete, our rivers and coastal waters are increasingly subjected to mercury pollution which posions the fish and all that eat it. It's not about the left or the right, it's about a stable food supply that's been poisoned in the name of private business. Enough already -- what is wrong with more pollution controls or enforcement when we clearly are tainting our fish supply. Nuts!
Posted by suec on July 24, 2008 at 12:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
if groups like Environmental Protection Agency, Earthjustice and the Environmental Integrity Project cease to find "problems" then they are out of a job. The more they find, valid or not, the more job security they have.
So they like the hogh profile cases. It justifies their existence.
Posted by BulldogTLC on July 24, 2008 at 1:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think that she is saying what I have thought for a long time. Some of the environmental groups are a lot like the NAACP. They have to keep some kind of scare going or they will have no reason for existing. Should we protect the environment? Certainly, but we should also not throw logical reasoning out of the window when taking steps toward this. Are there cleaner fuels than coal? Yes, but they are not affordable at this time. Nuclear would be great but environmental regulations have made this such a time consuming process, that there is no way one of these plants could be built in time to meet the demand. Are there control devices that could be install to capture the mercury from the cement plants? Sure, but you will still have the mercury captured in some form that you will have to dispose of. There is always a balance between common sense and the ideal solution. I for one would hate to see all the employees of the cement plants out of a job because of increased regulations. I would hate to not be able to have electricity because of increased regulations. It's time to use common sense when looking at these types of issues.
Posted by cutekats on July 24, 2008 at 1:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Maybe we should get back to the bottom line. I would like to see a credible agency provide some statistics showing the number of people in the immediate Harleyville area who have been diagnosed with cancer and/or some other strange debilitating disease. I can tell you that this number will be extraordinarily high.
Posted by BulldogTLC on July 24, 2008 at 1:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
But can you point to the cement plants as the cause? This is also a very agriculturally oriented area. I assure you, the farmers are far less regulated than the industries. I'm not saying that steps should not be taken to improve where we can, but the economy cannot survive all the restrictions that the environmentalists groups would lead us to believe that we need.
Posted by zoomru on July 24, 2008 at 1:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bulldog.....Common Sense?..I agree my friend.
BUT !!!!
When new technology is withheld from the PUBLIC to purposely protect a contract instead of the public's wellbeing...THAT IS CRIMINAL!!!
When NUCLEAR permits are held UP due to the fact that a COAL FIRED PLANT HAS to be built FIRST for a West Virginia PAYOFF and the public is not informed and the TRUTH divulged.....THAT IS CRIMINAL!!!
If everyone used common sense based on FACT...then we wouldn't need POLITICIANS!!!
These scumbags who let big money SKATE BYE at the expense of OUR well being should be hanged....period!
Posted by BulldogTLC on July 24, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Do you have any evidence of this? Who is that you suggest is being paid off? What technology is being withheld? Permitting a Nuclear facility is a very time consuming process. Building one and actually getting an operating permitting takes even longer. Recently the regulations were changed so that you apply for both a construction permit and an operating permit at the same time. Before you had to construct, then make any changes deemed necessary once you had completed construction before you could operate. A nuclear facility has not been built in the US for approximatly 30 years. Finding contractors willing to take the risk to build to the new regulations has been and will continue to be a stumbling block on the first few Nuclear units to be built. Until then, are you prepared to go without electricity? I'm not.
Posted by patricycle77 on July 24, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Johnq2 - you are right that DHEC has been delegated authority to permit and enforce under the CAA, and that mercury is listed in the CAA as a hazardous substance, but the sources also must be listed in Section 112(c), which before now, to my knowledge, these concrete plants had not been listed as major or area sources, so the BACT requirement would not have applied. It certainly takes some time for these things to trickle down. Also, BACT doesn't take into account the cumulative affect of mercury water contamination from numerous plants on one waterway b/c that would have to be regulated under the CWA through the NPDES program. As soon as a court rules that emissions into the air that eventually fall into the water are a point source, DHEC can regulate these air emissions with regard to their contamination of the water. Tricky and not likely.
Posted by patricycle77 on July 24, 2008 at 2:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
BulldogTLC - do you know what reg that is requiring construction permits and operation permits concurrently?
Posted by BulldogTLC on July 24, 2008 at 3:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I do not know the exact regulation, but I have been involved with some work for the permitting of a nuclear facility. I know in the past you were required to obtain a construction permit, which once the facility was complete, even when built exactly as permitted, you were not guaranteed an operating permit. Under this new permitting process, as long as the facility is constructed as it was permitted, you will revieve the operating permit upon completion of the project. It is supposed to streamline the process somewhat and make nuclear a more attractive alternative. However, the review time for this permit has increased because there is not a follow-up permit application to catch any mistakes, so to speak.
Posted by BulldogTLC on July 24, 2008 at 3:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Found it. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 1989 established a new, more efficient process for licensing nuclear power plants: 10 CFR Part 52. The U.S. Congress affirmed and strengthened the new licensing process as part of the 1992 Energy Policy Act. The new process provides for certification of standardized designs, early site approval and combined construction and operating licenses.
Posted by Marianne0558 on July 24, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
EEEEEPA, EEEEEPA!!!!!!
Posted by zoomru on July 24, 2008 at 4:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
My evidence is your very words.........
"...A nuclear facility has not been built in the US for approximatly 30 years.."
How many has France built in this TIME?.......
WE have no leaders with GUTS!!! They dance to a Lobbyists tunes instead of the well being and SECURITY of OUR VERY NATION!!
The LAST 2 Leaders we HAD:
1) Prez Kennedy..."WE WILL GO TO THE MOON BY THE END OF THE DECADE!"
2) Prez Reagan: "GORBY....TEAR DOWN THIS WALL"
OUR NEXT LEADER WILL:
1) AT THE END OF MY TERM...."No "NEW" Car will be sold in this country using GAS"...Period www.valcent.net
2) At THE END of MY TERM..."All Landfills will be closed in OUR great nation and the energy SOLD back through the POWER GRID!" www.startech.net
3)At the end of my term...."Coastal Windfarms will be installed around OUR ENTIRE coastline" www.selsam.com and GE turbines
4)At the end of my term...."A Nationwide mass transit buildout will be planned and implementation begun"
www.unimodal.com
WE need LEADERSHIP
Posted by BulldogTLC on July 24, 2008 at 4:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
And you really believe this technology is available and it can just happen like that, huh? Unbelievable....
Posted by zoomru on July 24, 2008 at 4:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I guess you didn't believe we could go to the MOON either!!!
Posted by zoomru on July 24, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Do you USE a CELL PHONE???
DO YOU USE A COMPUTER???
DO YOU USE A MICROWAVE???
DO YOU SEE HD TV??
DO YOU SEE FLAT TVs??
Or do you think the WORLD IS STILL FLAT??
Posted by BulldogTLC on July 24, 2008 at 4:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You are comparing apples and oranges. You are comparing a complete overhaul of the entire US infastructure to something that will fit in your pocket, which by the way, there are still people that do not use these inventions that you speak of. Environmentalists are responsible for the economic mess that we are in right now. They have put so many restrictions on everything that nothing no new oil refineries have been built in 30 years, no nuclear plants have been built in 30 years. And if given the chance, they will colapse America as we know it. How many of the companies with all these technological secrets will survive? Do I think there may be a day when we won't need oil? I hope so. Do I think that wind farms and landfills will be able to supply our energy needs? Never. They are not base load power options. They are good for supplimenting, but do not work for base load. Solar will not work for base load. You may mean well, but you are very confused if you think the energy crisis we are facing can be solved in one presential term.
Posted by truthseeker on July 24, 2008 at 4:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
One problem is that DHEC does not have the sole job of protecting our health. They have the job of protecting our health and also are responsible for allowing polluting companies in our state to create jobs - they have to try to balance the two seemingly incompatible responsibilities.
DHEC needs to have its job description re-defined and be solely responsible to protect our health and well-being.
Let's protect the individual's health and well-being in South Carolina first and foremost and start to punish the polluters who are polluting our air and water.
How many jobs do our ports and cement companies create? I would suggest the more important question to be asked is what are the long term health costs to care for our state's population struggling with mercury poisoning and breathing harmful dirty air.
Posted by zoomru on July 24, 2008 at 4:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bulldog......
I am an optimist! I observe the success and failures of OTHER cities and Countries. "Base Load".."Wide Load"... or "Mother Load"; it doesn't matter! We should NEVER put ourselves in a corner which we have let our politicians do to US with OUR dependence on foreign OIL! We should tap all forms of domestic energy production before we import ONE drop of oil or WATT of electricity. We should have Freedom to choose! Bulldog....you need to seriously reconsider your "base load power options" point. If building codes were structured, to encourage flat roofs that encourage solar water heaters and solar heat with wind turbines on top too boot; as a BASE with all other power required as OPTION. Then recalculate the needs!!
Environmentalists aren't responsible for the SECURITY of OUR NATION! This lack of leadership is ..CRAP!!!
With ONE LEADER WHO WAS WORTH ANYTHING....ONE 8 year TERM would transform this NATION!!
Its the ENERGY...BULLDOG! ENERGY!
Posted by BulldogTLC on July 24, 2008 at 5:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You sir, need to learn what base load power is and who the main consumers are. Industry and Transportation consume approximatly 61% of base load power. How is a solar water heater going to help them reduce their energy consumption? And once again you are counting on a new regulation that people who already have homes are not going to adopt.
Posted by zoomru on July 24, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Based on your number it would help reduce the other 39% !!So there would be more BASE for Industry and Transportation.
...and I'm not talking about present homes per se...I'm talking about all the homes YET to be Built! If you have ever been in a plane and look at all the roof tops of INDUSTRY and imagine them as ENERGY producers...MY LORD! Just imagine every roof of Walmart, Mall, Target, Warehouse, Strip Mall, Coliseum, Kmart, ....NOT to mention the THERMAL CAPACITY of every parking lot!!.....Wholly BAT MEGA-WATT!!! Reach down the next time you get out of your car and feel the ENERGY!!!
We walk on our energy solution EVERY DAY!!