D-N-R asks Attorney General for action on cement plants

The Iowa Environmental Protection Commission is asking the Attorney General for action against two cement plants. The E-P-C is asking foraction against the Holnam Incorporated plant in Mason City and the LaFarge Corporation plant in Buffalo. DNR air quality bureau chief Peter Hamlin says a review of the Holnam plant’s permits shows at least 24 emission sources that were not tested to see if they met standards. The DNR also alleges the company failed to install proper monitoring equipment and report excess emissions. Hamlin says the LaFarge plant in Scott County has failed to meet major federal Clean Air Act regulations with its emissions. The plant allegedly violated the sulfur dioxide emission standard 35-percent of thetime in the fourth quarter of 1997. Both companies can appeal the referral to the Attorney General in district court.