Don’t forget, the DEC is holding its information session about our proposed Ravena Plant Modernization Project tonight.

It will begin at 6 p.m. at the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk High School auditorium and will be a great opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the proposed modernization.

See you there!

The modernization project hit a big milestone.

The DEC publicly released the Notice of Completion Application for Lafarge’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). This is a key step in the approval process for our proposed modernization project.

Once modernized, our new plant will be equipped with state-of-the-art air pollution control technology that will improve air quality and continuous monitoring systems to ensure compliance with stringent emission limits. The new dry kiln technology we propose to install will also reduce fuel use, produce less solid waste, use less water from the Hudson River, and allow for zero wastewater discharges, making the new facility even more efficient.

The DEC also announced dates for the public information session for our proposed plant modernization project (December 8, 2010), and public comment hearing (January 21, 2011).

Our website is currently hosting the modernization project DEIS and draft permits for viewing and download by the public.

Check them out by clicking here.

Here’s an excerpt from a story the Catskill Daily Mail recently ran updating the status of Lafarge Ravena’s draft Title V (5) Air and Operating Permit – the environmental permit that regulates airborne emissions and safeguards air quality:

Our draft permit – which contains a first-of-its-kind mercury emissions cap for a cement plant – has been sent by the DEC to the United States Environmental Protection Agency for final review. The DEC also released to the public its responses to questions provided by members of the community at the hearing and by mail.

We are pleased the public was given an extended opportunity to provide comment on our permit and we’ll update you on our progress as it moves forward.

You can read the DEC’s responses by clicking here

As part of the management team at Lafarge Ravena, I’m in regular contact with our neighbors in the community.

One of the many ways that we stay in touch is through our Community Liaison Panel. The panel brings together elected officials, community leaders, and environmental advocates from throughout the region.

In addition to creating and running our new Community Liaison Panel’s Environmental and Safety Scholars Grant Program, the group meets to offer advice and explore ways that Lafarge Ravena can continue to improve its environmental performance. This includes examining how well we live up to the high standards set by the company-wide Environmental Policy.

The policy states clearly what we believe it takes to ensure that Lafarge Ravena is a good steward of the environment in every aspect of our business. From our operations, to how we train employees, to hiring contractors and buying supplies, and much more.

Click on the policy below to read the full text:

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recently made available to the public our draft Title V (5) Air and Operating Permit.

For those of you wondering what a “Title V Air and Operating Permit” is or does, the simple answer is, it’s a permit that safeguards air quality by controlling emissions from industrial facilities.

In this case, our plant in Coeymans, New York.

What makes our particular permit unique is that it will contain a first-of-its-kind emissions cap for a cement plant.

The public has an opportunity to review the document and share their thoughts with the DEC tonight at a public hearing at the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk High School located at 2025 US Route 9W, Ravena, NY 12143 before our permit is considered for renewal.

The meeting will be held in the school auditorium and is set to begin at 6 P.M.

We hope to see you there.