The following letter was published on January 3, 2009 in the StarNews as a response to a recent article written by Chris Mazzolini.  I'd like to know your thoughts.

Editor,

The recent article by Chris Mazzolini on Charolinas Cement's air premit process requires clarification and calls into question his ability to impartially report on this project.

First, Mazzolini writes that "Titan officials are eager to avoid a prolonged review of the air permit."  That's true.

But the implication that our company is trying to sneak something through the regulatory process is simply poor reporting. 

Carolinas Cement is a business that has to meet deadlines; the air permit is needed to move forward

Second, Mazzolini's reference to a legal challenge to our air permit process implies that we should just accept that our opponents' agruments are worthy of delaying the entire project.

They're not, and we won't.

Mazzolini approaches our filings with the critical skepticism appropriate for a reporter.  I do not see that same skepticism applied to our opponents.

Third, Mazzolini writes of the channges made to avoid wetlands in our mine footprint.

But, the premitting process requires us to seek alternatives with less environmental impact.  From our earliest meetings with regulatory agencies, we stated thate if other less sensitive lands became available, we would more to those lands, and we have.

There is no subterfuge with Carolinas Cement's air permit application.

We support an open, transparent and balanced permitting process.  We expect the same from Star-News reporters.

Marino Papazoglou

 

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December 29, 2008
Seasons Greetings
Posted by Kate McClain , 7:26 am

Carolinas Cement wishes you safe and happy holidays and a joyful new year. We look forward to seeing you again or shaking your hand for the first time in 2009.

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December 18, 2008
Carolinas Cement Employees Support our Troops
Posted by Kate McClain , 5:12 pm

Last week, Carolinas Cement and Roanoke Cement shipped 100 care packages to troops based in N.C. and Va. who are serving abroad. 

Company executives meet each November to discuss business goals and corporate social responsibility initiatives for the year ahead.  This year, company leaders elected to launch a military care package campaign.  Two thousand Titan America employees throughout N.C. and Va. donated goods or money to the program.  Goodies shiped overseas included personal hygiene products, chewing gum, hard candy, granola bars, book and much more.  Way to go, Carolinas Cement!!

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Congratulations to Roanoke Cement!  Three of its sites have operated eleven years without a lost time accident:  Castle Hayne, Richmond and Winston-Salem terminals.  The Portland Cement Association recently recognized RCC with a certificate commerating the event. 

"This is a special milestone in that for eleven years, no employee of these three terminals was injured or had to miss work," stated Ronnie Collins, Business Unit Safety Manager for Mid-Atlantic, Essex Cement and Separation Technologies for the past two years.  "This milestone solidified the commitment management and the employees have made toward working safely."

Safety is the number one core value at parent company Titan America.  Employees and guests from each location celebrated the accomplishment with a dinner party.  "It's a 'can-do' attitude and enthusiasm on the job that makes achievements like these possible," said Collins.  "It makes me proud to be associated with a team like this."

 

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Are you still maintaining the blog? I haven't seen any postings recently.>
Anonymous



Absolutely maintaining the blog! Anything on your mind?>
Kate McClain

Why does titan cement not answer the questions that the citizens of New Hanover ask. They respond very selectively and don't answer some questions at all. this appears to the general public that titan is hidng something. I think you are a good company but have a product that is not good for our sensitive water and wetland environment. Titans response through paid PR representative is not believable nor accceptable. You need to hire another expensive firm to brainwash the community. And, your local contributions to charities is being perceived as bribs.>
Anonymous



My dear Anonymous. You are wrong. We at Carolinas Cement communicate broadly and regularly with the good citizens of New Hanover County. We personally answer questions posed by individuals and groups in many formats on a daily basis; we make presentations to organizations and associations large and small; we also welcome questions via e-mail, telephone, website and blog. We have hosted tours of our cement plant in Roanoke and invited all interested persons to attend. I was deeply involved with three public informational workshops in which more than forty Titan employees and our business partners eagerly discussed the project, answered questions and distributed literature. I expect you follow the local news with great interest so you'll know that I also work closely with your local media, responding to their inquiries immediately and keeping them updated with late breaking. I don't know how you make your living, Anonymous, but this is what I do and I can assure you that we are satisfying questions posed by your friends and neighbors. If you have questions, please ask.>
Kate McClain

Get the Facts. I took the opportunity to visit the Roanoke Cement Complex in Troutville, Va this past Saturday. This was a trip hosted by Titan America. I visited with the neighbors (whose farms suuround the Troutville facility), Roanoke plant employees and the county manager. I toured the facility, rock quarry through final processing. The quarry and plant were impressive, safety is very high on the plant management's list. The plant was well run and there was a synergy with each operation. The constant monitoring system (for plant VOCs and environmental points)was impressive and proved to me that Titan is very serious about their process with respect to output of all types (products and by-products). The plant manager and his team displayed and explained many plant improvments which lead to better plant operations, conditions, safety and environmental conditions. One great expample that was impressive was the way that they are re-using a large amount of a by-product that was sent to a landfill for years. They have reduced the amount of the by-product that the cement process yields as well as REMOVING what has been landfilled in past years to use as a cement component. There are more details that the Roanoke plant staff shared that show the depth, seriousness and committment they have to the environment and the community. The neighbors were very happy that Titan was in control of the plant. These families have lived next to the plant and farmed the land for many years. They were very positive with Titan's positive actions and gave details about the improvements that have taken place since Titan bought the facility in 1992. With respect to "Stop Titan" concerns about environmental hazards; I did not see any evidence or did not hear of anything from the neighbors. They assured me that they have NEVER had any adverse environmental with their families or their way of life. These people are milk farmers and beef farmers, both types of products are FEDERALLY regulated, milk is especially sensitive to the environment. You can tell the day that cows are turned out into pasture in the spring, the raw milk will have a slight "green" taste after they have consumed hay, silage and grain all winter. I know this as a first hand fact since I lived on a Pennsylvania dairy farm for the first 20 years of my life. No ones' milk in the Troutville, Va.valley has ever failed a state market test. In closing, I will tell anyone who thinks they should "STOP Titan" or anyone who is wondering what all of the negative concern is about should go on the next trip to Roanoke, bring their data, concerns about incidents, the environment and details about the new Carolina Cement Castle Hayne facility that concern them, talk with the Titan America senior business manager, Roanoke plant manager and staff, the Troutville, Va. neighbors and see what the "other side" of the story really is about. Have a good evening and a better Monday! >
Milt Packard



Thanks,Milt!>
Kate McClain

The plant won't be up and working for a couple of yrs? Who's building it? Local jobs? We need work now.Why so long?Why are people being brought here to work? Where are the 160 jobs you have.All labor jobs? Driver jobs? Sales? FAT $$ DESK JOBS? -HIRE LOCALS-.It dosent seem that way. Must be Political,promise the world,then end up with minimum wage hard labor jobs.in a couple yrs? Sounds more like big buisness lies to me.This community needs work now,lots of work.Step up do the right thing.TELL THE TRUTH.NO Building market,no jobs,rednecks watch T.V. too yaknow.Some of us R EVEN SMART 2.Maybe we should say the dirty word. UNION The things that make you go Hmmm..>
Randy



Randy - thanks for your questions. Please see my September 20 blog for details.>
Kate McClain

I believe I was the one who asked this question at the "get to know us meeting" at CFCC. I was told by your representatives that there would definitely be an increase in the number of train cars as well as an increase in the number of train runs each day (and night). In fact, I was told that because you would produce 5 times the amount of cement that is currently produced the rail traffic would increase by 5 times. Not to mention the amount of raw materials that might be shipped in by rail. This is an important issue! Will the rail traffic increase or not?>
Anonymous



Hello, Anonymous! According to the local CSX Train Master, Carolinas Cement will not require any additional crossings per day compared to the current Castle Hayne schedule. However, the number of cars per crossing will likely increase. We agree this is an important issue. If you need additional information, please let me know. >
Kate McClain



Specifically, how many train cars per day will be needed to support all transportation operations at Carolinas Cement? Clearly, this number, or a good approximation, is available to Titan America officials and should be shared with the people of Castle Hayne and New Hanover County at this time. Clearly, the CSX Train Master was given the number of train cars generated by Carolinas Cement per day on which to base his conclusion. Once this number is supplied, the citizens of Castle Hayne can make up their own minds on whether the sound level associated with this increased train traffic will "be very similar to current levels" or not. Thank you>
AC

My husband and I are very interested in progression of your Castle Hayne plant possibly coming to an reality in near future. We lost so many of our manufacturing companies to overseas vendors. In following your news updates about Titan America it sounds likes this opportnity is exactly what New Hanover county and surroundings counties desperately needs. You have our votes. We will definitely be following progress to obtain opportunities for employment. Thank you Scobers
Tammie Scober



Thanks, Mr. and Mrs. Scober! We appreciate your support!
Kate McClain



My wife and I are very very excited about the prospect of Titan America opening up in Castle Hayne, NC. I have been moving aggregates for the past 10 years and would like to know the best way to go about obtaining job at Titan.>
Brian Petretti

Appreciated Titan's efforts to provide information on the proposed Castle Hayne plant. Most recently, significant concerns were expressed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NC Division of Marine Fisheries, NC Division of Water Quality, the NC Division of Coastal Management, and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission in opposition of this facility. Some of these reasons include unmitigable damage to the natural resources in the area, which "represents an aquatic resource of national importance" (USFWS supervisor), and irreparable damage to the Castle Hayne aquifer, the scope of which cannot be estimated. A Titan official had previously indicated that "If a site was considered unmitigable for whatever reason, we'll respect that and consider other properties" (Kate McClain, Titan America). Further Marino Papazaglou (Titan's project manager) told an audience of NHC residents (including the County Commissioners) that if it was determined that this project would harm the environment in "any way, shape, or form," Titan would not build the plant. I am a resident (and taxpayer) of northern New Hanover County, and I would like to know how you respond to the concerns expressed by these Federal and State officials (can all of these groups be wrong?), and whether or not Titan will honor Papazaglou's promise.
Anonymous



Thanks for attending the workshop. As we've stated in several forums, the area determined by the US Fish and Wildlife Service to be unmitigatable makes up only about 12 percent of the proposed site. The remaining property - including the site of the plant itself - was never under question. Further, the majority of the quarry area does not include the type of wetlands that these agencies have characterized as unmitigatable. These letters, by the way, were submitted as a normal part of the EIS process and not as a protest. Our next steps and the proper course of action is to allow these studies and processes to be thoroughly conducted and to advise you of the results.
Kate McClain

Will you be receiveing and processing fly ash into the cement manufacture from local power plants and/or power plants outside the region? How will that be delivered to the plant and handled at the plant?
Anonymous



Can you make anything else at this plant like cement blocks?
Nancy J.



I've lived my entire life on the North Carolina coast, and I want to see it grow as much as the next guy. I've read what you say, and I believe you when you say that you will do your best, but is that enough? Like your Miami plant, this plant will be in an area that is prone to hurricanes and floods. What would be the impact of such an occurence?
Drew M



Hello! Regarding your question about delivery of fly ash: The fly ash will be hauled in delivery trucks which will be covered and damp to control dust. When they arrive at the plant they will unload to a covered hopper with specially designed rubber curtains that do not allow any dust to escape. From there all material will be conveyed to the Material Storage Building via covered conveyor belts that will not allow any dust to escape. The same types of covered conveyor belts will feed all raw materials to the plant equipment for processing. Properly designed dust collection systems will be installed at all transfer points to ensure a dust free operation.
CCC



Thanks for your question regarding concrete blocks. The Carolinas Cement Plant will make cement, which is the main ingredient in concrete. We will sell our cement to local ready-mixed concrete plants, who may manufacture concrete blocks.
CCC



Hello, Drew! Not sure I fully understood your question about hurricanes and floods. But it's important to note that concrete homes are very popular in hurricane-prone areas - yet another important reason to have a cement plant nearby! Concrete homes are resistant to storms, wind, fire and termites. They're also very well insulated. Remember the tale of the three pigs? Please let me know if I can answer your question more specifically.
CCC



During Hurricane Floyd in 1999, the North Carolina Department of the Environment and Natural Resources said that 40 hog lagoons were completely flooded out, and another 6 failed to function properly. 35 other hazardous waste sites were inundated by the flood waters, as were two hundred and fifty highly hazardous landfills. To top it all off 130 underground storage tanks for dangerous waste leaked toxins into the ground water supply. All of these sites were built to specifications, but no one thought the water could get as high as it did. All of this filth and trash eventually washed down into the rivers, and from there to the estuaries, and then on to the ocean. That's one storm. That's the type of area you are entering. What would happen if your plant ended up underwater? It is a distinct possibiliity.
Drew M



What phase of construcion are you at? Have you "broken ground" - or - is this still in the permitting stage? Will the design be similar to the plant in Miami?
Bill



Hello, Bill! Carolinas Cement Company is currently undergoing due diligence for our new plant. In other words, we're in the permitting process. We hope to begin operations sometime in late 2011 or early 2012.
CCC



You sent postcards to Castle Hayne residents about a info meeting at CFCC on June 24, 2008 to answer questions about the building of the cement plant in Castle Hayne. On the bottom of the postcard it states, "Postmaster - please deliver before June 21, 2008" Today is June 26, 2008 and I just received my postcard. You would have had a larger crowd if the postcards would have been delivered as you directed. I would ask the post office to return your postage, because they didn't deliver
Gib



June 26, 2008 We received a postcard in today’s mail inviting us to a meeting “to discuss concerns and answer questions live and in person.” The postcard arrived two days AFTER your scheduled meeting. We most certainly would have been interested in attending and voicing our extreme opposition. Nice ploy, but such mailing tactics will not stop the fight, and only fuel the concerns of the type of neighbor we DON’T want.
Jack, Nannie, Matt Doyle



My family and I are extermely excited to welcome Carolinas Cement Company to New Hanover County. The same people that are opposed to your relocation also complain about their taxes. It is a shame that they don't stop and think that one reason why taxes keep climbing in NHC is because we have very little industry to help carry the load. Many people moved here to retire after making their living in an industry-related position; now they want to shut the door behind them. Many more of us know the benefit of having thriving industries and say welcome!
Anonymous



I feel the need to address the tax incentive issue. Why is it so difficult for the opposition to acknowledge that just the property taxes alone that Carolinas Cement Company will pay to New Hanover County will outweight the tax incentive. Let me make it simple for the opposition...if you owe me $100; and b/c I want to keep you as a friend I let you keep $20; I am still netting $80. It is basic math people! So, go ahead and be opposed...then you don't have the right to say one word about any current or future tax increase.
Anonymous



I would like to make it known that many of the people in oppositon to Carolinas Cement Company are NOT New Hanover County residents and many more do not own property or pay property taxes in New Hanover County.
Anonymous



Dear Doyle Family, please refer to the postcard you received...the post office was to deliver the cards by June 21, plenty of notice of the meeting. If you are going to complain, get your facts right. CCC didn't have anything to do with the post office delivery schedule, call your post office and complain...
a nhc resident



In response to a nhc resident: If you would read this site's own home page comment, you would note that MANY people did not receive dated mailings on time. Coincidence? Since the mailings have no postmark, there is absolutely no proof that these mailings took place before the actual advertised meetings. Regardless of fault, it is a bad reflection on the corporation and on local government. Titan wants to build in close proximity to a planned new school, and in a part of the county not serviced by public water systems. Wells are drying at all time record rates. Added poison is all we need. Before you sit in judgment, walk in our concerned shoes.
Anonymous



Let me get this straight...giving a company millions in tax dollars will lower taxes?! Instead of laughing at this joke, I offer proof to the opposite: Verizon Wireless was given ridiculous tax incentives to locate in New Hanover County and hasn't yet provided the number of promised jobs. GE was offered even more ridiculous tax incentives and readily admits the jobs they will offer will require flooding our county with out of town engineers--no jobs for locals-- who will demand services our tax dollars must support. This is a very slippery slope. In theory, growth is good. But as a resident of 44 years, I must say that more often then not, growth benefits a few on the backs of many. I've been a first hand witness to a great reduction in the quality of life in New Hanover County thanks to companies, government, and greedy developers.
Anonymous



I, as so many others, received my invitation for the meeting late. I neither oppose nor support your coming to Castle Hayne. I would have liked to listen to what the company and other residents had to say before I form an opinion. I hope delaying the mailing of the post cards was not a ploy to keep the opposition to a minimum. That would lead me to believe that the company had something to hide and was trying to manipulate the out come of the meeting. Please mail invitations on time so I can be at the next meeting. Thank you.
Rob Bode



I assure you that I am a New Hanover county resident, property owner, and taxpayer. I also assure you that I, along with many of my neighbors, do not want a cement manufacturer less than 5 miles down the road. There is nothing wrong with industry, the right kind of industry. Numerous companies manufacture products which could actually be beneficial to the public without harming the environment. Those are the type of companies that New Hanover county should be attempting to attract. The health of my family is not worth having a highly polluting industry down the road just to keep taxes down. Those of you who supposedly think this is a great idea, come & live next door to this & see how happy you are then.
Anonymous



Titan America: I am very curious as to why the company representatives backed out of the informational meeting scheduled on Monday 6/30/08 at UNCW? In regard to Titan's "advertisement" in the Star News on Sunday June 29th. Where are your sources? I would like a full list of the documents that provide these figures. Furthermore, Titan claims that "We will plant thousands and thousand of trees!" Could Titan please be more specific? How many trees and where will the trees be planted? Rather than continuing to expel millions of tons of C02 into the atmosphere each year, like every other cement plant, what is Titan doing to develop alternatives to cement? Lastly, why is Titan trying to dissuade the public about the dangers of a cement plant in Castle Hayne? Why did Titan not announce their meetings with the New Hanover County Commissioners 3 years ago when they began discussing plans to open a plant in Castle Hayne? If Titan wants to be transparent in the public eye, they have certainly done a terrible job doing so. The people of Wilmington have a right to openly discuss the grave ramifications of this proposed cement plant with Titan America. When does Titan plan to have an open forum with the public, which also includes representatives from the opposition? In sum, it is time to be transparent and not simply focus on the ECONOMIC aesthetics of such a plant being opened in New Hanover County. Thanks for setting up this blog. However, I think the pictures of the beach lining the right-hand column of this blog should be of cement plants. David Pinsky
David Pinsky



Are you building a new location in Arizona just north of Chino Valley off Hwy 89? If so what type of plant and when will it be done?
Anonymous



All this talk of building a plant out at Castle Hayne..... Dont you know that theres already a plant there? Been there from years ago, it closed down in the 1980's. Its not like theres a piece of land out there with just tress on it waiting to be dug up, also, that quarry that Titan wants to use, is still being mined by Martin Meratta today. Its funny to see that people are in an uproar over something thats already there and being used (even if its by a different comapny). Sounds like the Titan Americas people want to open the existing plant back up, NOT build one from scratch and use new land. That would also bring up the question of the other business's along that road too.... I dont hear anyone complaining about MM blasting in the quarry or are area right up the road form it, taking rock, etc. out of it. So whats different about Titan taking it over? Jason J. Leland, NC
Jason



I thought it was extremely unprofessional of Titan America to back out of the community forum scheduled for June 30 at UNCW. This illustrates a profound lack of consideration for those who planned to attend.
Anonymous



Eighty five acres of open land off Blue Clay Road (near Holly Road) is presently going through the re zoning process to move from low density residential use to light industrial use (Z 886). A move from low density residential to industrial use is a drastic zoning change and is highly unusual. This land is also located in our Aquifer Protection zone and possible industrial uses may injure our existing ground water resources. Does Titan Cement, through it's subsidiary Separation Technologies, plan to use this land or immediately adjacent land for a fly ash processing and storage area?
Anonymous



Thanks for your question regarding property re-zoning near Blue Clay Road. Titan does not own nor has any involvement with this real estate.
CCC



To Drew M. - thanks for clarifying your question about hurricanes and flooding. There will be no toxins or hazardous materials stored on site at the plant. In a worst case flooding situation, rock would get washed away, most likely back into the quarry where it came from. Also, the plant itself will be constructed to hurricane code, withstanding 130 mph winds (the same code as our Pennsuco plant).
CCC



Thanks for your question regarding a new location in Arizona just north of Chino Valley. This is not Titan's project.
CCC



will titan buy the cement terminal next to roanoke
john todd



Please reply to Mr. Pinksy's comment about the circumstances surrounding Titan's decision to pull out of the forum that was supposed to be held at UNCW on June 30. Surely the company was not honestly concerned about "security." Why was the company reluctant to address citizens' concerns about the proposed plant? Thank you.
Anonymous



My apologies for misspelling Mr. Pinsky's name in the previous comment.
Anonymous



Mr. Todd, thanks for your question about a terminal near Roanoke. We're a little confused by the question - I am not aware of aterminal near by our Roanoke plant. Please elaborate and I'll do my best to answer.
CCC



the cement terminal is beside the praposed site for the new cement plant in castle hayne
john todd



the terminal in question is fully operatinal and used to be part of the the old cement plant
john todd



Has a contractor for construction of the facility been selected at this time? If not, when will this process be complete?
Steve



The terminal John Todd is referring to is Cemex's terminal.
Anonymous



Thanks for clearing up the terminal question. We are not associated with Cemex.
CCC



Ilistened to your presentation on the radio this morning and I have one comment and one question. You had a representative from your Roanoke plant which is not located near the coast nor along a major river and does not mine critical wetlands. Why did you not have a representative from your plant in Florida on the discussion? I missed the date of your first public meeting. Can you let me know the date, location and times of each meeting. Thank you.
karen



I am concerned about mercury emissions from Titan America's Castle Hayne plant. Your air permit application lists 260 lbs of mercury/year as your legal limit. This seems excessive given that your Roanoke Plant emits 7 pounds/year and your Pennsuco Plant emits 90 pounds /year. Even given the differences in amounts of cement produced yearly this seems very high. What is the mercury concentration of the local limestone you will be mining? Thank you, AC
AC



Dear AC, Rest assured, we understand that residents have valid concerns and we share your concern for mercury emissions. It is never our intent to cause harm. We are currently evaluating the health effects of our emissions in order to be responsive to citizens’ concerns. This process requires special expertise and it will take time to fully understand and disseminate the results. We will share the results when the reports are available. Also, please note that the 260 lbs per year of mercury represents a potential to emit which is a calculation required in the air permitting process taking the maximum legal emission limit and applying it to the process running at full capacity, 24 hour hours a day, 7 days a week. This is not a realistic scenario, and therefore, it is reasonable to expect the actual mercury emissions will be less. Thanks for your question, AC. We promise to share our data as it becomes available. CCC
CCC



Good question, Karen! Roanoke Cement is nestled within a community setting, with farms, schools and homes near the plant. We thought it more closely resembled the setting for our new plant in Castle Hayne, so we invited RCC's plant manager to join the interview. We're active, involved member of the Roanoke community; we work together with our neighbors who consistently give us great reports. Please know we're also very proud of our Pennsuco plant, located in Medley, Fla. Pennsuco's state-of-the-art plant is the largest cement producer in Florida and among the most environmentally friendly in the world. If you have specific questions about Pennsuco, we will be pleased to answer them for you. CCC has planned three informational workshops to take place in the upcoming weeks at which we'll address topics such as environment, jobs, economic benefits and community involvement. Please plan to join us! Workshop dates and locations include: Tuesday, Sep. 16, 4 - 8 p.m. North Branch, Cape Fear Community College Castle Hayne Tuesday, Oct. 7, 4 - 8 p.m. Schwartz Center, Cape Fear Community College Downtown Wilmington Monday, Oct. 27, 4 - 8 p.m. UNCW Executive Development Center Wilmington Thanks for your interest.
CCC



when are you looking to hire at the castle hayne plant
paul b



Hi Paul. You're welcome to stop by our recruitment office and fill in an application. Our office is at 4312 Henson Drive.
CCC



After researching your company on the internet, we are blessed that you have chosen our area to settle in. I understand you also have many ready mix concrete plants in the area and are very good stewards of the environment as well as committed to the highest of safety standards! Many areas cannot boast such an opportunity as your company is committing to. I live in Jacksonville, north of this location but am very much involved in the construction industry. This can only further help stimulate our economy up and down the coastal region. Onslow County embraces your efforts and hopes others will as well! God Bless Brother Bruce
Bruce



Please respond to my specific question: What is the mercury concentration of the local limestone you will be mining? Clicking on the column to the left "Why Castle Hayne?" you state that the "local limestone is chemically well suited for making cement." It is clear that the mercury analysis on the local limestone has already been completed and is available to you at this time. In addition, when I contacted North Carolina Air Quality, I was told that the 260 lbs mercury/year in your air quality permit application was calculated by Titan and was calculated knowing the amount of mercury coming into the plant from the local limestone source. Titan has said that they will be open and clear with the general public at all stages of this process. This is a clear and repectful question that should be specifically answered at this time. Thank you, AC
AC



You state that all cement kiln dust will be recycled back into the kiln. According to US EPA and PCA the most effective way to removal mercury from the process is to remove cement kiln dust at a predetermined time between raw mill on and raw mill off. How will the plant handle this dust? Additional, as EPA is discussing solid waste vs. alternative fuels definitions how does the facility plan on handling different fuels. We all live in the real world and in the future the facility will want ot reduce it's cost of coal by supplementing fuels with other engineered fuels so why is the company not addressing this now?
Future Earth



On the About titan America page it states that the facility in Florida produces 1.8M tons but the permit limit according to FDEP is 2.19M tons why the discrepany?
Earth Future



Thanks for your question, A.C. The reference to chemically well-suited limestone has to do with the primary cement constituents: calcium, aluminum, silica and iron in the raw materials, and the lack of deleterious constituents, such as magnesium. The potential to emit (PTE) in our air permit is not based on the mercury content of our raw materials. It is based on the current federal regulatory emission limit of 41 micrograms per dry standard cubic meter times the maximum production rate if the plant were running 24 hours a day 365 days per year. Of course, running the plant at this rate is unrealistic but it is how the PTE is required to be calculated. We are currently working with the NC Division of Air Quality on the permit application and will address such issues as the mercury emissions determinations and permit limits. We ask for your patience as the state regulatory agencies do their job.
CCC



Please respond. At other Titan cement plants around the U.S., what is the minimum zone/buffer between the facility and the nearest (public) school?
Anonymous



Thanks for your question regarding buffer space. Because our regulated emissions are deemed safe for all people, including children, there is no need for buffer space. Our emissions are less than the National Ambient Air Quality Standards and the NC Air Toxics Standards. Please note: these health-based standards are conservative and have large factors of safety calculated into them. Therefore, the exposure to such emission levels will not present a health risk to the public. There are two schools situated near our Roanoke Cement Plant, one is approximately 4 miles and the other is approximately 5 miles from the plant.
CCC



Thanks, Future Earth, for the excellent question regarding kiln dust and alternate fuels. You may be interested to know that as a mercury reduction measure, the cement industry is looking into using kiln dust in ready-mix concrete or other products that would permanently bind the mercury. Regarding alternate fuels, Titan keeps track of all recent developments and scientific advances with alternative fuels. We will implement all proven technologies to improve our environmental and operational performances. Since CCC won't start operating for a few years, it is not possible to identify specific sources of alternate fuels yet. Also, it's important to note that any fuel changes would require amendments to the permit and would include public notification and an opportunity for public comment.
CCC



What is your timrline for thid project? When do you expect permitting to be resolved? When do you plan to select your process vendor and when do you plan to select the engineer and construction managers? I see that you anticipate 2011 or 2012 for commercial operation. Is this correct?
gary



I would like to apply for employment with carolinas cement . Please supply and address I can send my resume to . Thank you, Linda
Linda Rosado



Greetings, Earth Future! We are permitted to produce up to 2.19 M tons at our Pennsuco plant as a maximum limit. At this time, we simply choose not to produce that much cement.
CCC



Hi Linda! Stop by our recruitment office and fill in an application. Or, if you prefer, mail your resume. We're at 4312 Hensen Drive, Wilmington, N.C. 28405. You may wish to call ahead: 910-799-2840.
CCC



Hi Gary! We are currently in the process of doing our due diligence for obtaining permits. We expect the plant to start operating in 2011-2012.
CCC



Hell Titan I am curious about all the types of fuel you plan to use in the kilns. I understand cement kilns offer lots of flexibility in the types of material burned, which could be good for the manufacturer but perhaps not so good for the environment. What types of polution control devices would be on the tail-end (precipitators, scrubbers, etc)? I saw something stating "best available technology", which sounds great. I believe coal-fired power plants could reduce emissions significantly with best available technology, but it's very expensive so many have not embraced it. Finally, regarding the wetlands you need to disturb for construction and mining, are there plans to procure and/or restore wetlands in the nearby area so there is "no net loss"?
John Brinker



Good question, Mr. Brinker. We referred it to our Corporate Engineering Department for a comprehensive response: The current “best available control technology” based on proven technology and acceptance by the EPA that would apply to this facility are discussed below. A BACT analysis was included in our air permit application, and will be evaluated by the state and EPA as part of the permitting process. For particulate matter (PM) for stack sources the BACT is a filter fabric bag house that is at least 99.9% efficient. For sulfur oxides (SOx) the BACT is the inherent self-scrubbing of passing exhaust gasses through the raw materials where lime removes the SO2. Also as maybe needed, a dry lime injection system will be added for greater SOx removal. For nitrogen oxides (NOx) the BACT includes several technologies such as indirect firing of fuels, low-NOx burners, and staged combustion to reduce the formation of NOx in the system, and a selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) system to reduce NOx. For carbon monoxide (CO) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) the BACT is good combustion practices (GCP) to assure complete combustion of fuels and any organics that may be in the raw materials. It should be noted that the air permit will require continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS) for each of the above emissions to ensure that permit limitations are being met. Regarding your question on the wetlands, our policy is always to avoid, minimize, mitigate.
CCC



how many will you employee
Anonymous



I am very much concerned about the amount of rail traffic your operation will create. I live in Castle Estates, right along the track, and am concerned about the disruption to our quality of life with increased rail traffic. Hearing a train whistle at 0300 is not very conducive to good operation stewardship. How much train traffic should we anticipate and at what hours can we expect to be awakened by the train whistle? Ken
Ken Wagoner



Would titan cement cancel their plans to build a cement plant here if there was evidence that the plant would have negative effects on our health and /or environment?
kemp



I will re-ask my question: Why did Titan representatives pull out from the forum at UNCW, and why did they also cancel their plans to attend the panel discussion on Wave Radio? It is interesting that this question still has yet to be addressed on this blog, even after another blogger asked CCC to also address my question. Why did Titan back out, and when will Titan discuss the proposed plant, in public, with representatives opposing the plant? I find it interesting that people are asking about employment opportunities at the plant, considering it is not scheduled to go online until 2012.
David Pinsky



I understand you do not have the values for the mercury concentration in the local limestone you will be mining from Castle Hayne because you have not yet completed the necessary measurements and calculations prior to cement production. When you complete these calculations will you please communicate this information to the general public. What is the mercury concentration in the local limestone at your Roanoke and Pennsuco plants which have been at full operation for a number of years? Thank you
AC



Dear AC - Regarding your question about limestone - this response comes from the good folks in our Corporate Engineering Department. We are still working to finalize chemical analyses on the materials to be used for the proposed Castle Hayne cement plant. Preliminary investigations indicate average mercury content in our limestone deposits of about 11 ppb (parts per billion). The mercury content in our Pennsuco limestone deposit is averaging 8.3 ppb (actual data from the last two years of operation). We do not measure Mercury in our Roanoke limestone deposit because past measurements indicated very low Mercury emissions and it is not required by our air permit. Thanks for your question!
Kate McClain



Mr. Pinsky - Thanks for resubmitting your e-mail. Because your question was of interest to the entire community we posted a response on the home page of our site where it resided for a couple of weeks; sorry you missed it but I'm happy to respond to it again. Let me emphasize: Our decision to decline participation in the StarNews forum does not mean we're unwilling to respond to questions. We believe the organizers of the forum had the best intentions when they invited us; as plans progressed it became apparent the event was turning into something other than an honest, open information exchange. Local citizens deserve to have their questions answered accurately and without distraction. As a result, we have organized the three public workshops described on the home page of this website. They are designed to provide accurate, factual information to the greatest number of people directly from our experts. We also speak regularly with groups and organizations throughout New Hanover County and neighboring communities - we've done so since the project was announced. Regarding our participation on WAAV 980 AM radio - two of our Titan experts participated on this show and answered dozens of questions submitted by WAAV's listeners. We found it interesting and informative. Lastly, your comment about individuals requesting employment information does not seem at all unusual to me. Unemployment is a major concern for many people right now - the state of the US economy is quite grim. The prospect of a robust business, generous economic benefits and many good jobs coming to the local economy is important to many people. Mr. Pinsky - please let me know if you still have questions. Blog again here or contact me personally at kmcclain@titanamerica.com. I sincerely appreciate your interest.
Kate McClain, CCC



I was very impressed with your Workshop that you held this past Tuesday evening! I am very excited about your Company moving to our area! I think that the way you have handled the Opposition groups is very professional, and proves what kind of intergrity Titan has. Looking forward to spreading the word, and going to the next workshop. On behalf of myself and my family, I would like to say Welcome To Wilmington!
Anonymous



Dear Kemp, I choose to begin the response to the question about abandoning the project with a bit of company background. Carolinas Cement is a part of the Titan Group which has a long, distinguished history of doing the right thing. As a Titan employee I can assure you that as part of our culture, we refer to our set of values every day, in our personal lives as well as in our business dealings. Our first value is safety; our second value is integrity. In short, ours is a trustworthy company. If that's not enough, there are multiple state and federal government agencies keeping close tabs on us. We are under constant scrutiny as these agencies manage a meticulous and stringent permitting process that exists to ensure Carolinas Cement will not be a threat to public health or the environment. As you may know, we need to obtain several permits before we can even begin construction, including an air permit from the state and a wetlands permit from the federal government. This process is underway and should be allowed to progress in the normal fashion. We are committed to presenting the facts throughout every step of the process.
Kate McClain



Thank you for responding to the question regarding proximity of (public) schools (although you only specified the Roanoke site, and excluded the Pennsuco Plant). You indicated that there are 2 schools located near the Roanoke plant, approximately 4 and 5 miles (respectively) from the site. Would you please specify the schools to which you refer? Greenfield Elementary is located approximately 5 miles from the cement plant, and Troutville Elementary is reported as 12 miles from the site.
Anonymous



Recently the EPA requested information from major cement kilns to determine if self reporting of mercury emissions using the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) system was a valid indicator for reporting mercury emissions. Several well known and respected companies were found to inadvertently be underestimating their mercury emissions using TRI reporting, in some cases by thousands of pounds annually. Titan America's Roanoke and Pennsuco plants were not included in this EPA study. Titan America's annual mercury releases are reported using the TRI system that has been shown in some cases to significantly under report mercury emissions. Two specific questions: 1. Why was Titan America not included in the EPA mercury input study? 2. To verify the accuracy of your TRI reporting at your presently producing plants, would Titan America supply similar mercury input data for independent verification at this time? Thank You, AC
AC



Dear Ms. McClain: What is Titan's response to opposition by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission to the siting of the proposed plant in such an environmentally sensitive area? Also consider the opposition to the plant by some important NC politicians and candidates for office. Isn't this a pretty good indication that Titan should not seek to build a cement plant in such a fragile wetland ecosystem?>
Interested NHC resident



Hello, again, AC! This response comes from our Corporate Engineering Department. Titan was not included in that information request because the EPA only requested data from the manufacturers with a large number of kilns in the US. They usually will ask the top 10 to 12 producers (national total production). At Pennsuco the mercury amount reported for TRI is actually based on raw material input data which is exactly what we report to the State based on our current permit requirements. All tests are performed by a third party independent laboratory. At Roanoke Cement, the mercury amount reported for TRI is based on actual stack emissions measurements performed as part of our permit compliance requirements. We do not analyze our raw materials for mercury input since our Roanoke Plant has an alkali by-pass system that makes the operation more complex than the system at Pennsuco. We would like to invite you to visit our Roanoke facility. We can explain the details of this operation and why mercury input from the raw materials cannot correlate directly to stack emissions. Thanks for your question. >
Kate McClain



Hello! Regarding schools near our Roanoke plant - Greenfield Elementary and Lord Boutetourt High School are both approximately five miles away - Troutville Elementary is a bit further, nearly 12 miles away. Our Pennsuco plant is located in a far more densely populated area than Roanoke or Castle Hayne. There are more than 100 schools (K through 12) seven miles or closer in the City of Medley and the nearby communities of Hialeah, Miami Springs and Doral.>
Kate McClain



Greetings, Interested NHC Resident! As you're probably aware, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service submitted a document to the Corps of Engineers that stated that select areas within Carolinas Cements' 1,888 acre site were unmitigatable. These letters were submitted as a normal part of the EIS process, not as a protest. The area in question refers only to the property bordering the Northeast Cape Fear River and Island Creek - it makes up only about 12 percent of the proposed site. We'll proceed with our due diligence and allow these studies to be thoroughly conducted. >
Kate McClain



How have you remained so patient with the enviromentalists acting so rudely towards something that will benefit our area so positively? i applaude your efforts and hope you will build here in S.E. NC sooner than later!!>
Jim Chisum



Thank you, Mr. Chisum! We're excited about our new plant. Your kinds words are appreciated.>
Kate McClain



What is you mitigation plan for the loss of wetlands. What is your mitigation ratio - i.e. 10 acres mitigated for one destroyed.>
Clem Bribitzer



Thanks for your question, Mr. Bribitzer. Our plans for mitigation are quite simple - avoid, minimize and mitigate. This is a part of the EIS process we'll be undergoing with the Corps for the next several months and it's far too early to know these specifications.>
Kate McClain