Environmentalists seek halt to planned cement plant

ST. LOUIS -- Four environmental groups on Wednesday filed an appeal with the Missouri Air Conservation Commission of an air pollution permit for a large eastern Missouri cement plant.

The appeal is the latest effort by environmentalists to stop Switzerland-based Holcim Inc. from building a $600 million plant on the Mississippi River in Ste. Genevieve County, about 40 miles south of St. Louis. In June, the state issued the last major permit necessary for construction of the plant, which would be the largest cement plant in North America.

Members of the Missouri Coalition for the Environment say the plant would worsen pollution of the St. Louis region's air -- already in violation of federal ozone and fine particulate matter standards -- as well as worsen pollution in the river.

"Our state agency cut them a break, issuing a permit that's weaker than what's been required of other plants," said coalition director Ted Heisel.

Supporters say the plant would boost the economy and bring jobs. Holcim spokeswoman Nancy Tully said the company plans an environmentally efficient plant, a fact she said is borne out by the state's evaluation and approval of the project. Construction could begin within about a year.

Last month, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources said every effort has been made to "ensure the conditions placed in the permit are protective of public health and air quality standards."

Joining the Coalition for the Environment in the appeal were the Missouri Sierra Club, the American Bottom Conservancy and the Webster Groves Nature Study Society.