Your Voice Matters: Why CEMEX's Title V Permit Renewal Needs Public Scrutiny
What is the Title V Permit Renewal?
Title V of the Clean Air Act requires all major industrial sources of air pollution to obtain a permit that outlines how they will limit and monitor their emissions. These permits are subject to renewal, a process that can become a critical moment of intervention for communities living near such facilities. CEMEX, a cement manufacturing plant with a history that calls for closer scrutiny, is currently in the process of renewing its Title V permit. This is the moment to ask for more stringent regulations that protect the health of our community and the air we breathe.
Why Public Input Is Crucial
Public comments during the permit renewal process are not just a formality; they can make a real difference. Officials listen, and your voice can tip the scale toward stricter oversight. Especially for residents in marginalized communities, who often bear the brunt of environmental hazards, this is an opportunity for genuine environmental justice. This isn't just about abstract policy; it's about the air our children breathe and the water they drink.
How to Make Your Voice Heard
The public comment period for CEMEX's Title V permit renewal is open until November 11th.
Here's how you can participate:
Read the Draft Permit: Familiarize yourself with what is being proposed.
Compose Your Comments: Outline your concerns, questions, and what changes you want to see.
Submit Your Comments: Send them in before the November 11th deadline, either by mail or through the official online portal.
Title V Operating Permits Unit
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, APCD-SS-B1
Denver, Colorado 80246-1530
Our Concerns About the Permit
At a high level, our concerns revolve around:
Inadequate Monitoring and Weak Conditions/Limits
Lack of Enforcement Mechanisms
Lack of True Corrective Actions for Violations
Ambiguities and Omissions in the Permit
Not Enough Being Done to Protect Public Health
Modifications We Are Requesting
More extensive and modern emissions monitoring (use of CEMS for real-time monitoring of ALL emissions stacks)
Reduction in allowable emissions rates to match current and historical use (allowable emissions are currently set at about double actual use)
Improve monitoring,penalties, and corrective actions related to fugitive dust events and CEMEX’s adherence to the dust control plans
Implement a "three-strikes" policy, where after three violations, the facility must cease operations until it can demonstrate compliance
Include more explicit and timely penalties, fines, and corrective actions for every violation; waiting for penalties from annual inspections, which are issued 12-18 months after inspection, is unacceptable
Improved timeliness for public transparency of violations; waiting for penalties from annual inspections, which are issued 12-18 months after inspection, is unacceptable
Mandate the implementation of corrective actions such as upgrading to cleaner technology, consistent with the "Best Available Control Technology" (BACT) standards under the Clean Air Act
A comprehensive health impact assessment that includes marginalized communities
An extensive Air Quality Impact Assessment to evaluate all emission sources at the facility
A requirement that CEMEX conduct Phase 1 and Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessments, with results disclosed to the public
We are also insisting on a public hearing where all these matters can be discussed transparently
Your Turn to Act!
Don't let this moment pass; let's seize it as an opportunity for real change. Together, we can hold CEMEX accountable and ensure that the air we breathe and the environment we cherish are protected for ourselves and future generations. Let your voice be the catalyst for the change we all want to see.
Act now! 🌿🌎
Visit our website, GoodNeighborsLyons.com, to get all the resources you need to participate effectively in this process. Your voice matters, and together, we can make a difference.
