Historic Settlement Between Environmental Groups and Cement Plant Hailed as Victory for North Texas Air Quality
Main Focus on New Pollution Controls and Projects to Reduce Ozone Forming Emissions

(August 4, 2005 - Dallas, Texas) After almost a year of negotiations, leaders of the DFW Blue Skies Alliance and Downwinders At Risk joined representatives from Holcim (US) Inc. and the Environmental Protection Agency today to announce an historic clean air accord had been reached between the environmental groups and Holcim,  one of the three Midlothian cement plants.

Under the terms of the agreement, Blue Skies Alliance and Downwinders At Risk will drop their fight over Holcim’s  permit application to increase production and emissions at their Midlothian plant in return for Holcim’s commitment to undertake a list of projects to reduce emissions and monitor air quality.

Included in that list are requirements for Holcim to install and test new pollution control technology, provide $2.25 million dollars for other projects aimed at reducing ozone forming emissions in the DFW area, provide monitoring for particulate matter for three years, provide up to $120,000 over five years for an independent scientist to review compliance and operations at Holcim, and to reduce the limits of ozone forming emissions previously requested by Holcim. 

“This is a historic moment for North Texas air quality.  It is a clear demonstration that environmental and industrial interests can work together to help protect the public health,” said Wendi Hammond, Blue Skies Alliance’s Executive Director and attorney.  “Like all settlement agreements, this is a compromise.  All parties worked very hard to arrive at this point and can take pride in the outcome.  We hope this cooperative effort becomes the norm, rather than the exception.  In the future, we must develop even more creative solutions if we are to overcome our persistent air pollution problems.”

“This is the result of long hours and frank discussions,” added Rebecca Bornhorst, chair of Downwinders At Risk.  “For example, discussions about concerns of Midlothian residents led to the development of the independent scientist provision to monitor Holcim’s future operations.  Confrontation transformed into cooperation, and the final agreement reflects a balance of each organization’s interest in improving quality of life.” 

“Throughout this process, we have worked to address the concerns raised about the permit and the plant’s operations,” said Ruksana Mirza, Holcim’s Vice President of Environmental Affairs. “We knew that our request for a permit modification required us to do more in order to regain local confidence.  This agreement is a true ‘win-win.’  It results in a stronger plant, stronger relations with our plant community and actions that should lead to significant environmental benefits for this region.  We are pleased to resolve the issues with Blue Skies and Downwinders, and are placing a premium on a very productive relationship in the future.” 

“Dallas-Fort Worth is world class.  Our universities, hospitals, museums and sports teams can take your breath away.  The air you breathe shouldn’t,” said Richard Greene EPA regional administrator.  “Clean air is everyone’s ‘business’.   This historic agreement is essential in our commitment to bring clean air to the citizens of North Texas.”

Thursday’s agreement has its roots in the state’s decision to issue Holcim a permit to build a new production line, which was completed and began operating in 2000.  Holcim was not able to operate the new line without exceeding NOx and other emission limits required by that permit.  Holcim was subjected to an enforcement action by the state environmental agency Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).  Holcim paid a fine and was required to apply for a permit modification to increase allowable emissions.  In 2001, the company submitted an application to amend its existing permit, and a modification of that application was submitted in 2003.  Environmental groups and other citizens challenged Holcim’s permit application and requested a contested case hearing.

In 2004, EPA reclassified Ellis County as nonattainment for ozone under the Clean Air Act, which required stricter requirements than Holcim’s pending permit application provided.  Shortly thereafter, EPA officials met with industry leaders to encourage them to take actions that will help improve air quality.  TCEQ continued to process Holcim’s pending application and granted the environmental groups’ requests for a contested case hearing.  In an attempt to avoid a lengthy and costly hearing process, the environmental groups and Holcim began settlement discussions last year.  EPA was instrumental to the success of these discussions and even provided a neutral meeting place and staff assistance. 

Specifically, Holcim has committed to several key environmental steps:

• Holcim will provide up to $2.25 million dollars for NOx reduction projects within or affecting the Dallas-Fort Worth ozone nonattainment area. These projects may include efforts such as school bus emission reduction programs, low income household weatherization, truck stop electrification, car replacement programs or energy-efficient building projects.
• Holcim will provide funds up to $120,000 over a five year period to pay for the services of an independent, mutually agreed upon scientist.  The scientist will perform a number of duties including reviews of plant records and permit compliance, assessing plans and installation of NOx control technology, reviews of any subsequent permit modification requests and evaluating company plans to use or test alternative fuels.
• Holcim will pilot test selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) technology to further reduce its NOx emissions, becoming one of the first cement plants in the United States to install and operate this equipment. 
• Holcim agrees to adjusted NOx limits in its air permit that also reflect a more stringent level during peak ozone season, May1 through September 30.  To accommodate the more stringent seasonal level the company will operate the SNCR equipment continuously during that time, unless SNCR negatively impacts the plume from the emissions stack.
• Holcim will test whether its use of alternative fuels has an effect on emissions of certain volatile organic compounds, and will involve Blue Skies Alliance and Downwinders at Risk in discussions surrounding any alterations or modifications of plans to use alternative fuels. 

Blue Skies Alliance is a nonpartisian, nonprofit coalition of community, religious and environmental groups, health officials and individuals dedicated to reducing air pollution in the North Texas area.  Blue Skies Alliance is dedicated to public education and advocacy to assure a healthy environment while maintaining a balance with economic development.  For more information, visit www.BlueSkiesAlliance.org. Contact Wendi Hammond at 469/241-1997 or 972/296-9100.

Downwinders At Riskis a diverse grassroots citizens group dedicated to reducing toxic industrial air pollution in North Texas.  For more information, visit www.DownwindersAtRisk.org. Contact Rebecca Bornhorst at 972/230-3260 or Jim Schermbeck at 806/787-6567.

Environmental Protection Agency is the primary federal agency responsible for protecting human health and the environment.  Since 1970, EPA has been working for a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people.  For more information, visit www.epa.gov.  Contact EPA regional office in Dallas at 214/665-2200 or 800/887-6063.

Holcim (US) Inc. is one of the nation’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of cement and mineral components, and the Midlothian plant is one of fourteen manufacturing facilities operated by the company in the United States.  It is a subsidiary of Holcim Ltd, of Switzerland.  With major and minority interests in over 70 countries on all continents, Holcim Ltd is one of the world’s leading suppliers of cement, as well as aggregates (gravel and sand), concrete and construction-related services.

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THE SUE POPE FUND
NORTH TEXAS POLLUTION REDUCTION PROGRAM
PO Box 763844
Dallas, TX 75376
Office 972.296.9400 - Fax 972.296.9492 - Email