News Releases from Region 01
Sand and Gravel Company in Central Mass. to Reduce Emissions Under Settlement with EPA
BOSTON - In a settlement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Kimball Sand, a sand and gravel company operating in the Massachusetts communities of Blackstone and Northborough, agreed to reduce its emissions of hazardous air pollutants and visible emissions as required by federal clean air laws.
Kimball Sand operates rock crushing equipment including stone crushers, screeners, conveyer belts, as well as its engines at their facility. The equipment is subject to federal Clean Air Act (CAA)'s New Source Performance Standards for Nonmetallic Mineral Processing Plants, and the engines are subject to the CAA National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Stationary Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines.
To comply with the federal Clean Air Act requirements, Kimball Sand conducted visible emissions testing at its Northborough facility and submitted required documents regarding the equipment for both facilities. In addition, Kimball Sand replaced its three existing engines with newer, cleaner engines.
Under the agreement, Kimball Sand paid a penalty of $120,000 for its violations of the Clean Air Act.
By replacing its stationary diesel engines, Kimball Sand will reduce hazardous air pollutants, including formaldehyde. Exposure to air toxics may produce a wide variety of health difficulties. Compliance with emission standards also helps reduce emissions of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter. These pollutants can have a range of health effects, including respiratory issues, especially asthma among children and seniors.
More information:
- EPA info on stationary sources of air pollution contains additional resources about this and other important issues for federal facilities and the regulated community (www.epa.gov/stationary-engines).
- EPA Clean Air Act enforcement (www.epa.gov/enforcement/air-enforcement)