Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) in the cement industry

The amendments to the Clean Air Act (CAA) enacted in 1990 (the “CAA amendments”) require that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants (NESHAPs) for major stationary sources based on “Maximum Achievable Control Technology” (MACT). In July 1992 the EPA published a list of source categories or subcategories of major sources for which the standards must be set. The EPA has determined the Portland cement industry be listed as a major source of hazardous air pollutants because these emissions are greater than the threshold established in the 1990 CAA amendments. This paper discusses the current status and future development of the Portland cement NESHAP