Argos Puerto Rico Fined for Clean Air Act Violations, Commits to Install Solar Energy at School and a Childcare Facility

Argos Puerto Rico Fined for Clean Air Act Violations, Commits to Install Solar Energy at School and a Childcare Facility

October 2, 2024

NEW YORK - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today that Argos Puerto Rico Corp., owner and operator of a Portland cement manufacturing plant located at Espinosa Ward in Dorado, Puerto Rico, reached an agreement to settle Clean Air Act violations, pay a $111,000 penalty and spend more than $200,000 in Supplemental Environmental Projects, known as SEPs, to install solar energy at a nearby school and childcare facility. Under the settlement Argos will install two solar rooftop systems and two battery backup systems at the Casa de Niños Manuel Fernández Juncos in San Juan and Elisa Dávila Vázquez Elementary School in Vega Alta. These SEP projects are voluntary and provide environmental benefits to the community.

"This settlement goes beyond ensuring that this facility complies with air pollution control regulations by providing additional significant benefits to school children and the community through the installation of solar power systems," said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "These projects are particularly welcomed in Puerto Rico, where the energy grid is not reliable. Solar power with battery storage and microgrids provide backup during grid disruptions, ensuring continuous learning and serving as emergency shelters during disasters."

EPA investigated Argos' facility through inspections, information requests and record reviews. The investigation found that Argos violated several parts of the Clean Air Act Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) standards for cement manufacturers. Specifically, Argos did not meet the standards for dioxins and furans emissions for 130 days, total hydrocarbon testing for one day, and mercury emissions monitoring for 19 days. Additionally, Argos failed to comply with reporting requirements 12 times.

MACT standards are rules set by the EPA to limit the release of hazardous air pollutants from industrial sources. These standards are meant to ensure that all facilities use the highest level of pollution control. Violating MACT standards means that a facility has not met these strict pollution control requirements. This can involve failing to limit emissions of harmful substances like dioxins, furans, hydrocarbons, or mercury or not following proper testing and reporting procedures. Such violations can lead to increased pollution, which can harm the environment and public health.

Portland Cement, a key ingredient in concrete, is crucial for infrastructure and building construction worldwide. Its production is a major source of industrial emissions.

SEPs, while not required by law, are environmentally beneficial projects or activities that a respondent agrees to undertake as part of the settlement of an enforcement action, resulting in significant benefits to the community. These projects will benefit Casa de Niños Manuel Fernández Juncos in San Juan, a non-government corporation providing services for children, and the Elisa Dávila Vázquez Elementary School in Vega Alta. This not only supports the immediate needs of the community but also fosters long-term environmental stewardship and educational opportunities for the children.

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