GENERAL49677 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

1 I inspectors in their investigation reports have lead us to seriously question that Cemex- Lyons may not be able to meet the stringent standards of operation that the EPA requires. This has raised a trust issue within the community. The Watchdogs are weary and wary of corporate rhetoric; mistrusting ofCemex-Lyons'environmental ethic; and suspicious of what might happen after the "test burn" when no regulators are present. Problems with reealatinQ toxic substances that can't be seen: Previous to citizen involvement in the Portland cement dust issue, the regulatory agencies were unaware ofthe dire conditions in the St. Vrain Valley because the agencies are located in Boulder and Denver. Since the residents here have been able to see these dust clouds, we have been able to report these incidents to the agencies. In a fire burning situation; however, any malfunctions resulting in chemically unknown emissions may presumably go u~ and air pollution from these malfunctions wind disperse f_or many miles. -- The potential health hazards of fire burnint: Tires are not benign substances to burn. On June 17, 2002 the Watchdogs asked the Boulder County Health Department to provide educational resources and appropriate assessmerrts regarding fire burning at Cemex-Lyons. This research is in progress. (Letter enclosed) The Watchdogs are attempting to research what toxins could be released into the atmosphere when there is an operating malfunction in the kiln or even a worse case scenario at Cemex Lyons. Questions persist. Will Cemex-Lyons be able to consistently meet the well-run, well- maintained standards of performance required by the EPA? Who is going to know if malfunctions in wmbustion occur? Who will tell the neighbors? According to John Ray, President of the Montana Environmental Information Center, "When tires are burned in a cement kiln new and deadly wmpounds are produced The most deadly are dioxins." "Exposure to dioxins," says the EPA, "even at minute levels, poses cancer risks and health wncems including possible damage to the immune and __~ _ ~~oductiv_e systems." __~___ Are the risks worth it? Ts it worth giving this corporation carte blanche to launch burning tires strictly for its own personal profit and risk endangering oar communities and residents? Economic and environmental concerns: Residents have expressed apprehensions in regard to the economic and environmental impact that fire burning could have. Depressed real estate values, increased truck traffic on Ute Highway, wntaminated agricultural products, exposure to toxins through the food chain, the contamination of the St. Vrain River, and the potential impact to fish, game, and bird populations are issues of wncern