Comparison: U.S. and EU Cement Industry Regulations

On September 9, 2010, new emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) from Portland cement kilns went into effect. The new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules, known as PC MACT, have a significant impact on cement production in the U.S. Some in the industry feel the new limits will be very difficult, if not impossible, to meet.

Since the early 2000s, the European Union (EU) has had in place similarly strict emission limits for cement producers. This raises the question: how do EU regulations compare with PC MACT, and what have plants done to meet emission limits?

Cement MACT Guide

New rules for the Portland cement manufacturing industry went into effect in October. The revised standards are based on the Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) floor, which sets air pollution emission limits, taking both cost and feasibility into account.

Neundorfer's guide to Cement MACT begins by presenting the deadlines for compliance and then explains which rule (if either) applies to a given kiln. Next, the new emission limits are discussed along with required methods to demonstrate compliance. The remaining sections clarify the addition of new stipulations and the removal of some former provisions. Finally, a summary outlines the best strategy for creating a compliance plan.

Large Electric Utility Boiler Combustion and Performance Optimization

January 18-20, 2011
Westin Hilton Head Resort and Spa, South Carolina
$995 per person, 10% off groups of 5 or more

As part of its industry alliance with United Dynamics Corporation, David N. French Metallurgists and Storm Technologies, Neundorfer will be facilitating a session at Storm's 3 Day Short Course. This by-invitation-only learning event is designed for operators, equipment owners, engineers and managers at large electric utilities. It covers everything from the basics of steam generation to fuel preparation to low-NOx firing systems.

Neundorfer will lead a discussion about how process impacts back-end air pollution control equipment (precipitators, baghouses, etc.) and what can be done to holistically optimize plant systems.

Get your registration invitation from Ryan Hall, (704) 983-2040, ryan.hall@stormeng.com.