Sent: Friday, October 04, 2002 4:19 PM
Subject: Cemex Inspection Report--Complaint Investigation for Fugitive Dust
On September 30, Gabi Hoefler and Pam Milmoe (Air & Waste Coordinator for
Boulder County Health) conducted a complaint investigation at Cemex-Lyons.
I received a copy of the report this morning & want to share it with you immediately. I will give you hard copies at our next meeting.
Before you read this report, I would ask you reflect for a moment on how
citizens in this community have been assidiously working with the
government
agencies for almost a decade in trying to get this cement facility to come
into compliance with good housekeeping practices. There may never be a
better time to follow up on what you are about to read:
When you finish reaching the report, please pass on your observations of
it
to people who think the company can be trusted to burn tires safely. Ten
years of photograph, complaints, inspection reports, excuses, more
revisions
to fugitive dust plans, more photographs, more complaints, more inspection
report, more appeals for assistance--the problems with the dust continues,
and we keep breathing this stuff as a result of poor housekeeping
practices.
I can't imagine what this scenario might look like if the company starts
burning tires with the same sloppy practices.
"The following sources of fugitive dust were noted during the inspection:
1. The A-frame storage building has excess dust on the roof and piled-up
clinker dust around it that should be covered or removed.
2. The Clinker Pit had fugitive dust emissions in excess of 20% due to
improper handling by the loader operator. The Clinker Pit should be
unloaded
on a set schedule rather than using the presence of dust as an indicator
for
removalll.
3. The haul road behind the A-Frame was particularly dusty and should be
watered frequently or treated with dust suppressant.
4. Piles of dust were noted under the conveyor belt at the south end of
the plant, just before reaching the stacker. This source of potential
fugitive
emissions has been identified in previous inspections and should be
removed
daily.
5. Material stockpiles could be a potential source of fugitive emissions
during high winds. It was suggested that the plant find a way to water
the
top of the piles, possibly running the conveyor belt periodically to mist
the
piles with the automatic mister.
The Boulder County Health Department is requesting a written response by
October 8, 2002, demonstrating how and when these issues will be
corrected. A
follow-up visit will be made to insure the above items are corrected."
Well, that's where we are after 10 years of persistent efforts by citizens
in
our community, regulators, commissioners, Task Force members, Health
Department Staff, CDPHE, Air Quality Control Board members, politicians,
press, Land and Water Fund of the Rockies, CU graduate students, EPA.,
Memorandum of Understanding, etc, etc. Is it time for some positive
community action that will eliminate fugitive dust emissions and the need
for citizen watchdogs?
A special thanks to Gail, Kristin and Jerry, Lou, Merrill, Anne, and
Martha
for taking the time to file complaints. Your complaints of fugitive dust
emissions at Cemex triggered this inspection by the Board of Health.
Please
continue to teach others how to watch dust events, and how to file a
complaint.
Best regards. Richard