The EPA has reached a settlement with Lehigh Southwest Cement Company over the latter’s failure to properly report releases of chemicals at its Cupertino, California plant. The issue dates back to 2009 and 2010, when the plant processed chemical compounds in amounts that exceeded thresholds, without submitting accurate Form Rs for those chemicals. The company is required to pay a US$47 600 penalty and to spend US$144 250 to fund projects that support local emergency response and limit future releases from the plant.
Lehigh Southwest Cement Company will donate emergency response equipment including 12 hazmat suits to the Santa Clara County Fire Department. The company has also committed to fully enclose a raw materials conveyor belt to include new covers, sealed inspection ports, and specialised dust/debris collectors within a year of the settlement. This will help prevent fine-grained material conveyed on the belt from escaping, reducing potential environmental and public health impacts from the dust.
Adapted from press release by Katherine Guenioui