Reprinted from the Feb. 12 edition of the StarNews

The headline of your Feb. 7 editorial reads “Piecemeal reports … inadequate.” When our state-of-the-art operation opens on the site of the former Ideal Cement plant, it will have been through five or more years of scrutiny and will have satisfied rigorous requirements for a number of permits and licenses, each having to certify that the plant and its operations fall within the existing laws of the United States, North Carolina and New Hanover County.

This is an exhaustive, expensive, grueling process, the purpose of which is to ensure that nothing we do will subject the community to any identifiable risk. It is hardly inadequate.

Is it piecemeal? Every state in the nation follows this exact “piecemeal process,” as you call it, because it is the law – established in early 1970’s and tightened multiple times since then. In fact, the environmental community, including the Coastal Federation, sat at the table and agreed to every aspect of the current Federal and State legal and regulatory regime.

As we’ve stated many times, Carolinas Cement will meet the standards that are set down under the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act. The duties as outlined in Federal Statute created by Congress and the Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) are crystal clear. This is especially true as it relates to the responsibilities of the N.C. Division of Air Quality, which must dutifully carry out investigations and maintenance of those standards.

The claim that the project should be subject to SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act) is specious and clearly a means of delaying job creation. Citizens of New Hanover County should resent that someone else’s agenda is being imposed on the rest of us. If it were the law in North Carolina, why did Sen. Boseman propose it as a law? And why did the Senate not vote for her measure? Because they believed it was against the interest of the state.

Speaking of “piecemeal reports” and SEPA, we’ve yet to see an accurate explanation from any media source regarding SEPA regulations. Please take note – if a project is in the considerably more comprehensive process of the Federal Government (NEPA) National Environmental Policy Act, as in Carolinas Cement’s case, then it is exempt from SEPA altogether.

I doubt that the Corp of Engineers would have stated that Federal Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and the Army Corps of Engineers “likely would have little impact on the final permits.” Armies of lawyers, scientists and agencies set and enforce the standards of both the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act in the sole interest of the public.

And again – these laws and regulations were supported by the very organizations now opposing this plant.

Your editorial states there’s confusion about the correct regulatory process and “ordinary residents … don’t trust regulatory agencies to establish and enforce adequate rules to protect the people.” This is a different, much larger question, requiring cool, non-inflammatory discussion with the U.S. Congress and what must be done to restore faith in our governments.

For our part, Titan America can deal only with the here and now, regulatory laws and facts that we must address in the permitting process.

We will invest nearly $500 million in a new, clean, safe plant – the only one in North Carolina. Our tax base will lower the property tax rate of every taxpayer in New Hanover County. We will provide good, well-paying jobs and all the spin-off benefits that come from a robust manufacturer. The construction alone will put more than a thousand local people to work.

Trustworthy and responsible? Titan America was the 2009 recipient of multiple awards for environmental excellence, energy efficiency and safety. Fortune Magazine voted Titan Group among the top ten companies in the world for Best Leaders; Titan Cement also achieved top ranking for Corporate Social Responsibility.

Last week we were honored again when the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia passed a resolution commending Titan America for, among many other things, exemplary leadership in clean manufacturing processes and energy efficiencies, socially responsible employees, and for contributing millions throughout the Commonwealth.

Efforts to discourage this plant or any manufacturing industry from building or expanding will negatively impact investment from coming to this region for a long time. It’s difficult to believe the state would deliberately do this to itself – and certainly not now. Jobs will go elsewhere. Unfortunately, the not-in-my-backyard protestors seem to be here to stay. We can assure you that Carolinas Cement will not pose an environmental hazard. We’re following the process – the only one that is law.

 

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Also wanted to share this - posted by Gary Pearce from the Speaking of Politics blog.

People who care about North Carolina’s economy are closely watching Governor Perdue on an issue that will say a lot about her leadership. It’s the proposed Titan concrete plant near Wilmington. 

Fans say Titan, based in Greece, is one of the best companies in the world, ranking high on corporate accountability, environmental responsibility and as a good place to work. The plant will employ 160-200 people at $70,000 a year. It will pay a lot of taxes. It will generate other jobs, like at the state port. And there will be construction jobs building the plant. But Titan is bogged down by environmental complaints. And opponents are trying to taint it by association with Mike Easley. 

Perdue’s Commerce Department supports the project. Commerce leaders worry that stopping the plant will send a bad signal to international companies — and hurt North Carolina when it tries to recruit other industries.  

But Perdue’s environmental officials apparently want to kill it. 

The governor’s job is to referee this dispute. She has to decide who is right. She has to lead. If she thinks the plant is unacceptable environmentally, she should say so. And if not, she should stand up and say we need the jobs. 

Right now, Perdue seems to be letting the project die slowly by a thousand cuts, hoping it will go away and spare her the burden of making a decision that makes somebody mad. 

North Carolina’s unemployment rate is at its highest level since the 1970s. Too often, people think we can get all the jobs we need from pristine companies like Dell and Apple. But you see how well that works out. 

America’s economy — and lots of jobs — has always been based on making things. Concrete is one of the things we need to make a lot of, especially for roads and other projects supported by federal stimulus money. And it would be cheaper to make the concrete here, rather than shipping it in. When Jim Hunt was governor, he had to make this call again and again. When a project satisfied the state’s environmental requirements, he would put everything he had behind getting the jobs for people. 

This is an important test for Perdue. She can either let things happen, or she can lead.

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Mr. Odom, Could you please provide data on the median income that can be expected for employees of Carolinas Cement? The US Census Bureau uses median income rather than average income when discussing wages. Median income provides a more accurate representation of salaries from one company to another. Per the investment advice company Investor Words (http://www.investorwords.com/3030/median.html): "The median is a useful number in cases where the distribution has very large extreme values which would otherwise skew the data". If you are using average rather than median salary figures you may inadvertently be confusing potential employees. Last year at one of the Titan forums I specifically asked one of the Roanoke Cement Human Resources representatives about this matter. He told me that their median salary was about $44,000/year - a nice salary but not in the range of the $75,000/year that you may inadvertently be promising. To clear the air on this subject could you please supply the expected median salary for Carolinas Cement? Could you also report the median salary both with and without benefits to avoid any additional potential confusion? Thank You >
Anonymous



Presently SAS in Raleigh is offering potential employees, with advanced engineering degrees, starting base salaries thousands of dollars less than what you appear to be promising the people of Castle Hayne. Likewise, General Electric in Wilmington is offering advanced engineering candidates employment positions with base salaries similar to SAS, but once again thousands of dollars less than what you appear to be promising to 160 employees at Carolina Cement. Could you please verify or explain what you are promising to pontential employees? If you do not have specific data based on many unknown variables at this time, could you please supply the number of workers at each of your Roanoke and Pennsuco plants who have base salaries equal to or above $75,000/year at this time? Thank you >
Anonymous



The $75,000 figure is accurate. It represents a fully-loaded compensation (salary , benefits, life insurance, etc.) for operations and support employees at our cement plant in Virginia. When the Carolinas Cement plant is built and we begin hiring, compensation will be based on local labor market pay rates for comparable skills.>
Bob Odom



Mr. Odom, I have asked a reasonable question concerning your promised salaries at Castle Hayne. You have elected to answer only part of my question. I am waiting for your reply to my question. Titan America promised to answer citizens questions as part of their agreement with New Hanover County. Since Titan America has declined to participate in open forums this venue is the only avenue open for inquiery from the general public. Thank you >
Citizen



Hello Citizen - I've provided the average salary figure and I've answered your question in the most accurate way I can. Regarding your comment about declining forum discussion - I beg to differ. When we announced this project we sponsored four well-attended informational workshops and invited the citizens of New Hanover County to attend and find out all about us. Since then, my Carolinas Cement colleagues and I have spoken before dozens of organizations and groups. We answer calls and e-mails from interested people (not just citizens of New Hanover County) on a regular basis. My colleagues and I work for a century-old, well-respected company in a highly regulated industry. We're accountable for what we say and do. And we do so without the luxury of anonymity and pen names, Citizen. >
Bob Odom

Wanted to share this letter with you. 

Regarding your Jan. 27 editorial "Cement site," I have spent much of my life working in cement plants and strongly disagree with the statement that cement production is a heavily polluting industry. On the contrary, it has become one of the environmentally cleanest. That happened decades ago when all U.S. plants installed expensive and elaborate pollution-control equipment, including electrostatic precipitators and bag houses that help to make them the cleanest in the world. All plants have, for many years, been routinely supervised and inspected by state and federal agencies.

There undoubtedly are other locations than Castle Hayne that Titan America could consider. But all of them, if they are to be in the U.S., will have to be in states other than North Carolina because every plant must have an adequate supply of limestone, and there is no other such deposit in this state.

If Titan America plans on 1.5 million tons per year, the plant would be no bigger than the Permanente plant near San Jose, Calif., the largest in the USA, that has been operating successfully and under close environmental supervision for over 60 years.

You correctly call cement a vital construction material. But refusing to produce it here would be one more indicator of the decline of this country. Cement has already been imported from countries like Mexico, Colombia, China and Turkey. Why continue this unfortunate trend? Not only would our foreign debt put us further in the hole, the imported cement is usually made in plants far less environmentally safe than our own plants. Air travels around the globe, and dirty air over a foreign cement plant is bound to end up everywhere anyway.

The prospect of jobs and a boost for the Wilmington economy are a serious matter. North Carolina, like the country as a whole, has to get back to work and produce things here.

Fred D. Ullman

Raleigh

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I wanted to share Chris Mazzolini's blog, posted January 29:

Titan supporters respond to critics, StarNews article

by Chris Mazzolini

The Coalition for Economic Advancement, a Wilmington-based group that supports the Titan Americaopponents cement plant, shot back at the opponents of the controversial project in a letter to Gov. Beverly Perdue.

In the letter, the group’s chairman, Bob Warwick, responds to a letter the opponents sent to Perdue asking that she delay the project’s permits. They also respond to a recent StarNews article detailing a property deal between a company owned by the president of a Titan subsidiary and some high-profile Democratic fund-raisers currently under investigation by federal and state prosecutors.

Here’s Warwick’s complete response:

Dear Governor Perdue:

Now it’s official. Opposition to the proposed Carolinas Cement plant in Castle Hayne has turned into a witch hunt.

Opponents to Carolinas Cement have hijacked North Carolina’s economic development process. Buoyed by a media only too glad to fan the flames of discord, these opponents have succeeded in delaying a responsible, environmentally sensitive project that will produce much-needed jobs in southeastern North Carolina.

Residents of New Hanover County want Carolinas Cement to locate here. A vocal minority is opposed. And even though it goes against everything that this country and state stands for, the minority rules. They grab the headlines. They succeed in delaying a project that has met and exceeded all regulations needed to obtain permits to operate on a site that previously housed a cement plant and is zoned heavy industrial.

Instead of moving forward on this project, we’re fed a stream of conspiracy theories insinuating that Titan inappropriately curried favor with regulators (see January 23 Wilmington Star News). These claims are simply false. Using the same logic employed by opponents and the Southern Environmental Law Center, any project that applied for permits during former Governor Easley’s administration should have its permits denied or rescinded.

The actions of some members of Easley’s administration are deplorable. But so is slandering a highly respected corporate citizen like Titan America and depriving our state of much-needed jobs in what promises to be the cleanest cement manufacturing plant in the nation.

If this is allowed to continue, it will have a devastating effect on the future of North Carolina’s manufacturing economy. Few companies have the fortitude or money to withstand this type of vilification.

As chairman of the Coalition of Economic Advancement in New Hanover County, I ask you to take a stand for responsible economic development. Titan America has cooperated fully and transparently with North Carolina’s permitting process and has met all requirements. It has pledged to meet all future regulations as well. Titan deserves an opportunity to work here. And North Carolina deserves a reputation as a state that welcomes good corporate citizens like Titan America.

Sincerely,

Bob Warwick

Chairman, Coalition for Economic Advancement

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The Lumina News continues to gin up negative publicity about the proposed Carolinas Cement plant. In a January 14 article by reporter Brian Freskos, he claims that the new smog standards recently PROPOSED by the federal government have “opened another chapter in the debate of Titan America and its prospects in New Hanover County.” Opponents to the plant believe that these new PROPOSED standards should delay the NC Division of Air Quality’s granting of Carolina’s Cement air permit. Really?

Tom Mather of the NC Division of Air Quality, sees it differently. He defends the DAQ, saying the “federal government revises its standards so often that if the state held up a permit every time it would never issue any permits at all.”

But that’s what opponents want. Delay, delay, delay. No business is good business, according to the the Southern Environmental Law Group. “Right now, DAQ is ignoring the basis of these pending regulations,” Geoff Gisler, an attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Group (SELC), said in reference to the new federal standards. “Their approach has been to deal with it when the regulations are finalized and that’s not allowed under the Clean Air Act.”

I doubt the veracity of that statement. If you question the logic of SELC and hope to see a different perspective on this topic published in Lumina News, send them a letter to the editor. You can submit letters to letters@luminanews.com.

 

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I hope your holidays were safe and pleasant. 

I’d like to address a topic that I’m hearing a lot about lately.  It’s fairly complex so it’s easily misunderstood. It took me lots of reading, asking questions and acquainting myself with alphabet soup to understand it, so let me try to explain it as simply as possible.

What’s the difference between SEPA and NEPA?  Are we really avoiding the SEPA process?  North Carolina instituted the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) after the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was passed.  SEPA applies when a project meets specific state criteria.  The State of North Carolina determined that these criteria do not apply to the Carolinas Cement Company project.

But here’s what I think is the most important point.  Once we get our air permit, the CCC project is still required to undergo an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) under NEPA.  The EIS involves a comprehensive, detailed set of environmental studies led and administered by the US Army Corps of Engineers.  The NEPA EIS will address all those issues that would have been addressed by SEPA, had it applied.  The Corps actively pursues the input and review of state agencies as well as the public to ensure that all aspects are included in the NEPA EIS.

You might be interested in knowing that when SEPA is triggered in conjunction with a project that also is addressed by the Federal NEPA, the Federal EIS serves as the document for both programs. 

So, requiring the Carolinas Cement project to go through SEPA is a waste of time and tax payers’ dollars.  It will only delay construction of the plant, training and jobs, valuable productivity and revenue to New Hanover County.  In simplest terms, we do not have to go through SEPA because the law states that NEPA is adequate and covers more than SEPA.

Like I stated, this is fairly complex stuff.  But it's important to understand that we're not avoiding the SEPA process, as many of our opposers have accused.  Please call me if you need further clarification at 910-799-2840.

I wish you a safe and prosperous new year.

 

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Mr. Odum has it all wrong as usual. He states correctly that the NEPA document can serve as the SEPA document but then he states "So requiring the CCC project to go through SEPA is a waste of time and tax payers's dollars". This is not correct. The state does not have to do one thing but wait for the NEPA document so it will not cost the taxpayers one dime. the NEPA document will fullfill the SEPA requirements. In fact to allow a state agency, DAQ, to issue a permit prior to the full comprehensive review by the Corps of Engineers, which will include air impacts, could most likely result in a waste of taxpayers dollars. If issues are brought forth in the NEPA process that either negate or significantly alter the air issues the state may have to go through the air permit process for a second time expending taxpayers dollars twice. SEPA is a review process and not a permitting process. In order to fully evaluate the projects impacts the NEPA review must not be prejudiced by a premature state permit which might limit alternatives that must be considered by NEPA as mandated by federal law. As far as delaying the project, as a resident of this region I would prefer any delay in order to fully review and comprehend the health, environmental and community impacts this plant could pose to our way of life. Mr. Odum is speaking more of the company's money and his salary and job that community minded concerns.>
Anonymous



Odum works for a company that has operated in the USA for a number of years. With this as a lead in, you need to realize one thing if you know nothing else; as a company representative you are obligated, if not required to be full of fact and honesty as you are repsonsible for your company statements. If you are part of a non-profit group, you can tell as much or as little of the truth as you choose. You have nothing to loose, small truth or no truth can be passed off as your personal opinion. I am sure that "anonymous" would have a different viewpoint if a group of individuals went on protest against where "anon" worked or tried to make a living, if that were the case. >
Anti-Anonymous

I’ve spent the better part of my career working with ready-mixed concrete so I believe I know something about it. I believe the word sustainability means a lot more than just being “green.”  It means taking a big picture look at a project and balancing the economic and social benefits with the environmental benefits; in other words, it means planning for the long haul. 

You already know that concrete is attractive and durable, resistant to severe weather, water, fire and pests. I wanted to give you a few more reasons for you to love the stuff:

• Concrete is produced locally from abundant natural resources, so jobs, taxes and revenue remain in the community.  Think about it.  Asphalt is produced nearly entirely from imported products, including foreign oil.

• Ever wonder why they call it ready-mix?  It’s the one building material that is always produced in proximity to its use so it’s never transported very far.  That alone saves fuel requirements, energy consumption and emissions for transportation and handling. It’s also a made-to-order material, so there’s usually less building waste.

• It’s recycled coming and going.  Concrete can be made with reclaimed industrial materials that would otherwise burden the landfill.  Concrete structures last a long time, and at the end of their usable lives, they’re frequently recycled into something new!

• Concrete’s thermal mass reduces temperature swings in buildings and conserves energy. Since homes and buildings constructed with insulated concrete walls are not subject to large daily temperature fluctuations, owners can lower heating and cooling bills by up to 25 percent

• Pervious concrete is just an amazing product.  It percolates storm water into soil, recharging aquifers and preventing polluted runoff from overwhelming streams and lakes. Think of it as a industrial-strength coffee filter for your property.  It also eliminates the need for a retention pond.

• Concrete’s light color reduces the heat island effect, lowering urban energy use. It also reflects more light at night, so you need fewer lights on your property, reducing energy costs. 

• Did I mention reflecting light?  On a dark, rainy night, would you rather drive on a pitch black asphalt road or on rock-solid, reflecting concrete?

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when you transport cement away from your facility (by train right? And maybe trucks too?)....my question is...where does it go? Only in-state? Or out of state? Does it go by ship out of our local port?>
Anonymous



Approximately 65% of the out bound cement will go by rail to either direct customers or cement terminals. The remainder will either be shipped by truck or picked up by customers with their own cement tankers. We feel NC can handle all of our production. None is going overseas.>
Bob Odom



I was in a food store today that had a very nice, clean, polished concrete floor. This store had to meet the state regulations (law measures that were put in place by state law makers to make sure that no one could be injured or poisoned by the business) for a business to sell food. This state Permit was posted in the store next to the raw food/coffee bar. The store was not as proud of the state law that they had to have to be able to operate and stay open as they were of being part of STOP Titan, since they had this sign posted in their front window. I wonder if they realize what they would have to use as a building material for the floors and walls if they did not use cement as a component?? I guess it all depends on what type of hype that you choose to believe and what you have to have to make money......>
ANTI-Anonymous

Carolinas Cement, a subsidiary of Titan Cement is a much needed business addition for our area.  I understand some of the concerns that the many of the cement manufacturer opponents have. However, as I detailed in an earlier editorial, the company is a strong company that we could certainly use in this area and should welcome with open arms, at least from an economical perspective.  The incentives were not and are not a cash payment and will not be paid until Titan produces 2.2 million dollars of tax revenue.

Now, let us focus our attention on the environmental concerns that are continually expressed in our community.  In the air permit application that was filed in 2008 the potential to emit (PTE) mercury and other emissions (mercury being a major concern) was listed at 263 lbs per year.  Using this figure of 263 lbs per year as a starting place, Intertox, a leading toxicology firm, generated a peer review validated report that concluded that the risk of mercury exposure was minimal.

Okay, the test was done based on 263 lbs of PTE per year.  In April the EPA released the proposed regulations that allow only 14 lbs of PTE per 1million pounds of clinker. (clinker is the a preliminary state of particulate materials immediately before being chemically changed into cement by extreme heat) This equates to a proposal of about 30 lbs of PTE, well below the 263 lbs of PTE that Intertox used in its report.  So the new plant’s PTE could be 11% of the figure given to Intertox to create their report.   Richard C. Pleus, Ph. D. Director of Intertox said this, “Our study concludes that the total estimated dose of mercury a typical resident of Castle Hayne and the Greater Wilmington community could encounter is less than the concentration of mercury in 1-3/4 teaspoons of canned tuna fish per month.”  And Titan’s new plant, Carolinas Cement could be, if the new EPA proposals are approved, less than that by almost 90%.

What about water, well to answer that question, I traveled to Roanoke Cement to get some straight answers.  Roanoke Cement is a subsidiary of Titan Cement, located in Botetourt County,Virginia. This is what I learned.  A closed loop system is used whereby excess process and cooling water is stored and reused within the plant.  The only discharge would be in an excessive storm event, in which case some water could be discharged in accordance with the discharge permit, and amazingly, this water is cleaner than the water that is already in the Catawba creek.  Even the Virginia Forestry Service uses their helicopters to obtain water from the plants’ holding ponds to fight forest fires.

Another surprise was to learn that the water in their quarry pond is clean and possess sufficient water quality to participate in a program named ‘Trout in the Classroom’.  This program uses this pond to assist in Trout Unlimited’s goal of conserving, protecting and restoring North America’s trout and salmon fisheries and their watersheds.  In other words the water is clean enough to allow environmentally sensitive trout fingerlings to be placed in their quarry pond.  It was comforting to see that there was no dust floating in the air during my visit due to at least three key environmentally driven functions. Number one, the roads through out the plant are watered down to keep dust from becoming airborne.  Secondly, a system known simply as a pre-heater tower has reduced the manufacturing process’s need from five stacks down to one while doubling production.  Lastly, they use what is called bag technology to keep any particulate matter from entering the environment.  This as I understand it is similar to the idea of a vacuum cleaner bag in a vacuum cleaner, with the key exception that it costs millions of dollars to implement.  These last two processes in particular allow potential pollutants to be recycled into the manufacturing process, thereby reducing the impact on the air and water.  This, it seems, is the actual and observable environmental science of the matter. By the way, in April of this year, Roanoke Cement was honored with the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence for Land Conservation.

A local fourth generation dairy farmer, Jerry Henderson, that farms right up the road from the plant said to me ‘Titan is a good member (of the community) all around’.   I’m quite sure if Roanoke Cement’s manufacturing process was contaminating his livestock, he would have a completely different opinion.

I found an interesting observation in the book, Green Hell, by Steve Milloy, he quoted the UK’s Christopher Booker in a Daily Telegraph column where Booker said”‘ For 300 years science helped to turn Western civilisation into the richest and most comfortable the world has ever seen. Now it seems we have suddenly been plunged into a new age of superstition, where scientific evidence no longer counts for anything.’  This seems to be the case for many that are against the projected new cement plant in Castle Hayne.

Recently, I saw television commercials referring to a problem with drywall that was made with substandard environmental manufacturing codes in China.  This situation is causing major financial and environmental problems for builders and buyers of homes that utilized the contaminated drywall.  A few years ago when there was a shortage of cement, some cement was shipped in from countries that do not have the same standards that we have in the manufacturing of cement.  Are we willing to allow this opportunity to slip by and expose our area to the possibility of purchasing and shipping a substandard product that was produced with lower manufacturing standards?

Botetourt County Administrator, Jerry Burgess, spoke highly of the plant and went on to say ‘You will be involved with a company that has the financial wherewithal to do the environmental things that are necessary to have a clean efficient plant.’  Sounds to me like Carolinas Cement, a Titan Subsidiary, would be a good environmental neighbor.

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who is Tony McGee?? Citizen? Reporter? >
Anonymous



Tony is a local pastor. He currently has his own radio show on 93.7 on Saturday afternoon at 3:00. He took the time to visit the Roanoke plant to better enable him to form an opinion of our project.> >
Bob Odom



Sounds like McGhee decided to look at the details from both sides of the major issue of a new business locating to our county. Complete research on subject will always lead to truth and satisfaction.>
ANTI- Anonymous

Recently John Hood wrote at this site of his “mixed feelings about the proposed Titan Cement plant.” John said that attempts to “link the project’s government subsidies with its environmental permitting” troubles him. He cited a Lumina News article that described details of communications between company and government officials. The News writer used words such as “loophole,” “confidential” e-mails and “Titan lobbyist” to raise suspicions about the incentive deal. I don’t defend government incentive schemes, but, clearly, Titan officials want to avoid more construction delays. Why blame them for a legitimate self-interest?

I know that other people share John’s intermingled thoughts about this situation. Incidentally, the word mixed “suggests a combination of differing but not necessarily conflicting elements,” according to my American Heritage dictionary. Long ago, I resolved that the “incentives” issue does not conflict with the right of a company to use its private property without harassment by outside interests.

I’m sure that John and I agree about government-provided subsidies. Politicians entice companies to locate for self-serving reasons. It’s unfair and wrong. I have expressed my disdain with this political meddling many times. However, attempts to discredit the companies that accept these public offerings misdirect the disgrace. The proper targets are legislators who hatch up bad public policy and offer bribes.

Titan officials probably regret accepting political incentives because of the now known negatives. Cynical suspicions have been aroused in those who already mistrust our public officials. People suspect that something politically subversive has happened. And these feelings play into the hands of anti-development activists who try to damage Titan America with schemes to stall construction and cost the company money.

I think that the incentive issue has become a red herring. Why do company opponents want a “top-to-bottom” review using the State Environmental Review Act? It’s a ploy: “delaying Titan’s permits,” as explained in the Lumina News story. The company will endure an intense, lengthy and expensive federal environmental review. Why impose a redundant and costly state process?

And why single out Titan America for criticism about accepting incentives? Curiously, no group such as Stop Titan has emerged to prevent the government-subsidized film industry from operating here (Stop Hollywood?). Several other companies in Wilmington also enjoy public subsidies with no press or activist outrage. So, something else is intermingled in the Titan case.

That would be the all-out, persistent effort by activist groups to prevent a legitimate business from using its land to provide a beneficial product. Let’s not mix the issue of bad public policy with the right of Titan America to operate on its private property.

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Interesting that Mr. Smith (do you even reside in NHC?) points out that "...something else is intermingled in the Titan case." Well, unless you've been living under a rock somewhere in New Hanover County, you're also aware that this proposed cement plant will be situated within 3 miles of the largest elementary and middle school campus in the county. Not to mention the existing schools and neighborhoods within an uncomfortably close distance to this planned industrial complex. Here's another one for you: many of us who reside in the relatively pristine northern area of the county are concerned about the negative impact this industry will have on our home and property values. These are just 2 examples of citizen concerns that extend beyond the (negative) environmental impact this facility will have. Mr. Smith further states "That would be the all-out, persistent effort by activist groups to prevent a legitimate business from using its land to provide a beneficial product. Let’s not mix the issue of bad public policy with the right of Titan America to operate on its private property." If Titan's proposed operation does not come with significant (potential) impact on the public, then why undergo any type of environmental review/impact? If you've got a huge burn pile going on your (private) property, does that negate the right of your neighbors to take action when the smoke from your fire negatively impacts them? Titan is the same thing, but on a much larger and more toxic scale. Let's not continue to compare this proposed facility with Titan's Roanoke plant. It has been estimated that this plant, when/if built, will be the fourth largest cement plant in the US. Just Google the current top 5 and the surrounding areas/communities to see the impact this type of industry has. Roanoke is puny in comparison, and Carolinas/Titan Cement is deceptive in their insistence that the two are comparable. Further, the geography, topography, and indigenous flora/fauna in Castle Hayne are much more similar to those in proximity to Titan's Medley (FL) plant than to Roanoke. If you actually follow the news, you'll see the list of problems associated with the Medley Plant. As for poor public policy decisions, NHC has an unfortunate history of such. The decision made by our Board of Education to build the newest and largest elementary and middle schools adjacent to an area zoned for heavy industry, for example. Like it or not, however, these schools now exist, and Titan/Carolinas Cement should respect the concerns of the thousands of parents who do not want their children exposed to such a large, dangerous enterprise. Throwing $500 around in school grants is frankly quite offensive to most of us. >
A NHC Parent



As follow-up to my comment, interesting link from EPA: http://www.epa.gov/cgi-bin/broker?view=USFA&trilib=TRIQ0&sort=RE_TOLBY&sort_fmt=2&state=All+states&county=All+counties&chemical=N458&chemical=007439976&industry=3273&year=2006&tab_rpt=1&fld=RELLBY&fld=TSFDSP&_service=oiaa&_program=xp_tri.sasmacr.tristart.macro >
A NHC Parent

From our recent press release!

Norfolk, Va. – Titan Group, parent company of Titan America, was ranked number one in Europe and eighth in the world for 2009 in the prestigious “Top Company for Leaders" study, receiving a global distinction regarding the development of human capital and leadership competencies.

This ranking is the outcome of one of the most comprehensive studies of organizational leadership in the world, conducted by Hewitt Associates in partnership with The RBL Group - a strategic HR and leadership systems advisory firm - and Fortune magazine.

“Leadership is not generic and interchangeable” says Titan Cement CEO Dimitri Papalexopoulos. “We invest the effort to tailor our people-development practices to the competences we need as well as to our values and our desired leadership principles. It has often been said that a crisis is a terrible thing to waste. The current financial crisis can be viewed as an opportunity to enrich managers’ leadership skills”.

More than 500 global companies were surveyed this year in search of the top businesses at attracting, retaining, and nurturing talent. An expert panel of independent judges interviewed a number of Titan executives, including CEO Aris Papadopoulos and considered such specialized projects as the in-house Titan America Leadership (TAL) program. Winners were selected and ranked based on criteria including strength and depth of leadership practices, culture, examples of developing world class leaders, business performance and company reputation.

When analyzing the study results, one distinguishing characteristic was identified that sets “Top Companies for Leaders” apart from others. Even during the economic downturn, companies remained committed to building leadership capability within the organization, without losing focus.

The official announcement was made in the November 19, 2009 Fortune online publication. It will also be featured in the December issue.

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 From Squall Lines

A recent testy editorial about bureaucratic rules related to the proposed Titan America Carolinas Cement plant acknowledges the frustration business people and other citizens’ experience with government rules and restrictions. Usually, Star-News editorialists quietly tolerate or support government functions and ignore the insidiously destructive conditions they often impose on individual citizens and our economy.

Thus, I was surprised to read: “The slovenly pace of the federal regulator process leaves communities in the dark and costs businesses time and money.” Speaking of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency’s interference in the state permitting process for the cement plant (likely instigated by Stop Titan operatives), editors point out mixed messages, meddling and uncertainty during the long, drawn out multi-layered government processes.

EPA officials questioned the N. C. Division of Air Quality about issuing a permit before the fed agency knows what new restrictions it plans—sometime next June. I hope DAQ officials respectfully told EPA to mind its own business. The state must go by existing laws and standards, not future federal utopian hope and change.

I disagree with an editorial conclusion that this issue (“final regulations”) has divided people into pro-Titan and anti-Titan groups. Government had nothing to do with it. Actually, that conflict has occurred because organized environmental groups, such as N. C. Coastal Federation and its affiliates, have stirred up fear and anger toward Carolinas Cement among residents here using false and misleading information about the company and its plans.

 

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Friends,

I've heard some noise recently about a letter the EPA sent to the NC Department of Air Quality  regarding our draft air permit.  It's important you understand the context and purpose of said letter. It was not a "blistering critique" as one opponent reported.  It did contain observations and suggestions from the EPA - an agency entitled to make comments just like any other. 

In simplest language, the DAQ cannot issue a permit based on proposed regulations.  The EPA is currently wading through thousands of comments on the proposed regulation but the EPA's limits are finalized, those limits will automatically become the limits in our permit.

As always, we are adhering to the process.  Here's the thing you need to remember:  The new Carolinas Cement plant will comply with all limits and conditions in the final regulations - that is a given.  We will not be able to operate otherwise.  This is clearly stated in the draft permit and we've said it many times.

New regulations will be "self-implementing" and will automatically apply once they are finalized.  Therefore, pending regulations is no reason to not issue a permit.  The DMV does not stop issuing driver's licenses because they are thinking about changing the speed limit on the street in front of your house.

Believe me, there are plenty more hurdles for us to clear. For example, our new cement plant will still need to get a Title V operating permit which will incorporate any changes in regulations since the construction permit was issued.  This Title V operating permit will include any limits, conditions and monitoring requirements in the new final regulations.  The EPA and public will have an opportunity to review and comment on the Title V operating permit.

We appreciate the assurances and support we continue to get from the good citizens of New Hanover County.  It's important to me that you feel confident about our commitment to maintaining absolute integrity and adhering to the process.  Permitting a cement plant is a complex project.  As always, we encourage you to call or e-mail us with any questions at all. 

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Bob, The Portland Cement Association (PCA) is actively working to delay and weaken the new EPA emissions standards for cement kilns. Titan America is a board member of PCA. Are you saying that Carolinas Cement accepts and will totally comply with the new EPA regulations and monitoring requirements as presently written without modification?>
Anonymous



As I'm sure you realize, no facility can be permitted on proposed regulations. This is true in the cement industry and I would imagine other highly regulated industries, as well. It's anyone's guess when the EPA will decide on the new guideines. It might be early in 2010 but it might take longer. We've still got plenty to do before we can even begin construction. But as we've stated many times, we'll adhere to all final regulations as required for a new plant.>
Bob



Thanks for the update. People who are sure about Carolinas Cement twisting government regulations must have had prior expierence at this task to know so much about what they think is being done..... >
Milt Packard



Bob, To clarify my question: Will Carolinas Cement agree to adhere to the new EPA Cement Kiln regulations as presently written? >
Anonymous



We will comply with the EPA guidelines that are in effect at time the plant opens.>
bob odom

We arrived early, expecting to jostle for position with large numbers of Stop Titan activists anxious to speak against the Carolinas Cement Company’s plan to rebuild at a former cement plant site north of Wilmington. My friend Jack Palmieri wanted to speak about what he saw on a trip to the Roanoke Cement operation at Troutville, Virginia near Roanoke.

In August Jack and I drove to the plant in Virginia, at the invitation of Bob Odom, manager for Carolinas Cement. We were amazed to find the site nestled in a lovely valley near the Blue Ridge Mountains. We joined a small group from Wilmington and spent parts of two days touring the limestone mine and cement plant with company staff. Also, we were provided the opportunity to talk freely with company managers, local officials and residents.

Jack had signed up for a three-minute talk according to the N. C. Division of Air Quality rules for their public hearing held at the Cape Fear Community College North Campus on Tuesday, October 20. When we were seated in the auditorium filled with hundreds of people, a DAQ official announced he would allow each speaker only two minutes.

While many speakers “ranged far and wide” on the air quality topic, Jack stuck to the subject: no smoke, no dust, and no pollution at Roanoke. Unfortunately, he was cut off before making his final point. We had observed that the company carefully and continually monitors all aspects of its operations—including air pollution.

Many opponents at the hearing wore red clothing (we wore large buttons provided by the company with: “Welcome—Carolinas Cement Company”). Some carried signs of protest. Several opponents made wild accusations and bizarre predictions about pollution and environmental destruction. A few used children as props to promote unfounded scares about imagined health problems. Rude, disruptive shouts followed the most emotionally charged attacks on the company.

These tactics got press attention, but they likely did no good for the cause of those who hope to abort the permitting process and, ultimately, stop plant operations. Some of the professional environmental activists, sponsored by the N. C. Coastal Federation, took the risky step to accuse state regulators of dereliction of their responsibilities. On the other side, Carolinas Cement people cooperate fully with every agency request, patiently wait for decisions and try to counter their attackers.

It’s difficult to believe that irrational-, hysterical-based arguments could prevail over those backed by evidence and facts. But, who knows? There’s a lot of the former infecting some people in our society these days.

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I toured the Troutville, Va plant last year and found the area that surrounded the plant to be clean and un-affected by the 24-7 operation of the cement plant. The plant sits at the top of the valley that borders the Appilachin Trail and has a number of farms, residential developments and a school bordering it down the valley. The plant has a very good safety policy, employees who took plant and work safety as a very serious matter. They were community minded and what I would consider GREAT environmental stewards. Plant employees told me of their cleanup activities, I was happy to see that they spent their own time at these efforts. The goal for any industrial plant that has to meet an EPA or state emission permit is to be WELL under the permitted level. The plant has a sound monitoring sytem to assure that emission levels are tracked and at the expected amount for the materials in the process. These are some of the reasons that I have no doubt that the new plant that is projected for Castle Hayne will be the best or one of the best in the country. Titan is serious about safety, the environment and being a sucessful company. The only way to do this is to have the plant and quarry meet or be well under permitted emission levels that are mandated by state and government, have a zero accident policy and have content, happy employees who are active in the community. If you have any doubts about this, you have not ever worked in a serious, profitable industrial plant, quarry or mining operation. >
Milt Packard



interestion that the pro titan people did not discuss science, air quality, toxicology ...just proposed economic development at an air quality hearing>
Anonymous



Science and environmental regulations are covered in the permit application. The idea is to be at or below the permitted levels for all elements and affluents covered in the permit. Anonymous,just because you may have the freedom to drink as much you want, do you always drive your vehicle after? I would bet and hope that you abide by or do not come close to the law limiting consumption. The same applies to any major business, it is always best to be below your permitted level and it is the company's environmental control department job to make sure this happens. >
Milt Packard

Reprinted from John Locke Squall Lines

Our press, predictably with no skepticism (and little balance) on environmental subjects, will be “reporting on the impact, future and responses to climate change.” A series of stories will lead up to the big climate confab held in Copenhagen in December, according to a Wilmington Star-News editor (www.starnewsonline.com). There we can assume that politicians and activists will decide our economic fate based on their fear-du-jour.

In the first of “an occasional series,” we should be frightened that “Ice melt is threatening major cities faster than had been projected,” (I couldn’t find a link to this Star-News October 19 front page story) despite many other ignored scientific and cultural reasons for potential negative impacts of rising seas (e.g. tectonic subsidence and increasing coastal development). Some people may be “vulnerable” from presumed higher water along coastal areas.

“N. C. EXTREMELY VULNERABLE”

Reporter Gareth McGrath wrote under this headline about the coastal North Carolina sea-level. Similar to other places in the world (in which levels are highly variable), our ocean has risen a “tenth of an inch, average in recent years.” A John Locke Foundation (www.johnlocke.org) policy report (A North Carolina Citizen’s Guide to Global Warming, Joel Schwartz, 2007, p.7) confirms this based on measurements at Wilmington for 1936-2005. “Average sea level has risen only about 5 or 6 inches during the 70-year period.”

McGrath also offers another profound truth: no one knows “how fast the seas will rise.” Independent research shows that there has been no significant amount of acceleration in sea-level rise since 1900 (Nature, Not Human Activity, Rules the Climate, Science and Environmental Policy Project, Fred Singer, 2008. The Heartland Institute. www.heartland.org). Furthermore, the JLF report shows that sea levels here rise and fall as much as 10 inches in a decade. The Atlantic could drop down 10 inches.

Incidentally, McGrath cites an East Carolina University geologist, “the state’s guru on sea-level rise,” who predicts “waters rising potentially twice as fast” as a United Nations report—an average 2-foot rise by 2100. Predictions aren’t evidence. Flawed climate models are used to predict the unknown because evidence does not exist.

The melting-glaciers theory is hypothetical. In a study of 246 glaciers worldwide from 1946 to 1995, there was “an overall balance between those that are losing ice, gaining ice, and remaining in equilibrium,” reports the Heartland Institute.

A lot can happen in nature in the next 90 years. I predict we might be in for another ice-age.

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Dear supporters,

On behalf of the Carolinas Cement team, I'd like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for coming out to support us during Tuesday's Public Hearing.  We realize it was a significant investment of time and energy for many of you.  Whether you traveled from across the street or across the state, it was very gratifying to witness the growing sea of white shirts and hear all the good things you had to say about Titan America, our employees and our Carolinas Cement initiative.

It's always difficult to hear negative things from the opposition, particularly when they're distorted, exaggerated or just plain untrue, But for myself, I'm taking it as a call to action.  It's important for our team to know that certain things about this project and the cement industry in general are still unclear. Over the next few days we'll be working up a new fact sheet that addresses the points we heard raised most frequently on Tuesday. I hope it will provide some clarity and dispel some myths.

If you haven't already done so, please click on the big yellow button on the homepage of this site and let Governor Perdue, officials at the NC Department of Air Quality and other key stakeholders know that you support the expedient issuance of our air permit. 

We're excited about Carolinas Cement and we're anxious to continue with the process.  We also love to talk about it, so contact us with questions or if you'd like us to make a presentation to a group of organization.

Your efforts to support us are appreciated and welcomed.  Thank you again, dear friends.

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The public hearing for our air permit is scheduled for October 20 at the North Branch of Cape Fear Community College.  The address is 4500 Blue Clay Road in Castle Hayne.  There are two sessions - from 2:00 - 5:00 and from 6:30 - 9:00.  Please join us and voice your support for our project.  We'll look forward to seeing you there!

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From the media release issued September 11, 2009

Carolinas Cement Company announced today that the Division of Air Quality of the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources has issued a draft air quality permit to parent company Titan America to construct a cement plant in Castle Hayne. The issuance of the draft permit comes after an 18-month technical review of the proposed facility to ensure it will comply with North Carolina’s air quality regulations and standards.

 The federal Clean Air Act requires the Division of Air Quality (DAQ) to accept public comments after the issuance of a draft air permit. The DAQ has scheduled two public hearings to take place on Tuesday, October 20 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Cape Fear Community College North Campus at 4500 Blue Clay Road in Castle Hayne. Individuals may present comments of three minutes or less. Following a review of all oral and written comments, the DAQ will make a final determination on the air quality permit application in accordance with the rules established by the NC Environmental Management Commission.

“Carolinas Cement is committed to constructing one of the safest and most advanced cement plants in the United States,” said Bob Odom, Project Manager for Carolinas Cement. “Titan America has a long tradition of being an environmentally sensitive neighbor, as evidenced by the many environmental honors awarded to our

plants in Virginia and Florida. We will continue that tradition in North Carolina. We have already invested significant resources to evaluate new mitigation technologies to implement at the Castle Hayne plant and to measure the potential effect of emissions to ensure public safety. We look forward to the public hearing and proceeding through the regulatory process to bring new jobs to Wilmington.”

Before Carolinas Cement can begin construction on the plant, it must secure two primary permits: the air quality permit from the state and a Wetlands Mitigation permit from federal Corps of Engineers (COE). The Wetlands Mitigation permit is an 18-24 month process led by the Corps of Engineers and requires Carolinas Cement to have an independent third party conduct studies of potential impact to numerous ecological and social factors, such as water, aquifers, traffic and flora and fauna.

According to Odom, when Carolinas Cement reaches full operations the estimated annual fiscal impact to New Hanover County will exceed $120 million. Carolinas Cement will create 161 permanent, full-time jobs and 1,000 construction jobs during its two-year construction phase.

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Carolinas Cement, a subsidiary of Titan Cement is a much needed business addition for our area. I understand some of the concerns that the many of the cement manufacturer opponents have. However, as I detailed in an earlier editorial, the company is a strong company that we could certainly use in this area and should welcome with open arms, at least from an economical perspective. The incentives were not and are not a cash payment and will not be paid until Titan produces 2.2 million dollars of tax revenue.

Now, let us focus our attention on the environmental concerns that are continually expressed in our community. In the air permit application that was filed in 2008 the potential to emit (PTE) mercury and other emissions (mercury being a major concern) was listed at 263 lbs per year. Using this figure of 263 lbs per year as a starting place, Intertox, a leading toxicology firm, generated a peer review validated report that concluded that the risk of mercury exposure was minimal.

Okay, the test was done based on 263 lbs of PTE per year. In April the EPA released the proposed regulations that allow only 14 lbs of PTE per 1million pounds of clinker. (clinker is the a preliminary state of particulate materials immediately before being chemically changed into cement by extreme heat) This equates to a proposal of about 30 lbs of PTE, well below the 263 lbs of PTE that Intertox used in its report. So the new plant’s PTE could be 11% of the figure given to Intertox to create their report.

Richard C. Pleus, Ph. D. Director of Intertox said this, “Our study concludes that the total estimated dose of mercury a typical resident of Castle Hayne and the Greater Wilmington community could encounter is less than the concentration of mercury in 1-3/4 teaspoons of canned tuna fish per month.” And Titan’s new plant, Carolinas Cement could be, if the new EPA proposals are approved, less than that by almost 90%.

What about water, well to answer that question, I traveled to Roanoke Cement to get some straight answers. Roanoke Cement is a subsidiary of Titan Cement, located in Botetourt County, Virginia. This is what I learned. A closed loop system is used whereby excess process and cooling water is stored and reused within the plant.  The only discharge would be in an excessive storm event, in which case some water could be discharged in accordance with the discharge permit, and amazingly, this water is cleaner than the water that is already in the Catawba creek.  Even the Virginia Forestry Service uses their helicopters to obtain water from the plants’ holding ponds to fight forest fires.

Another surprise was to learn that the water in their quarry pond is clean and possess sufficient water quality to participate in a program named ‘Trout in the Classroom’. This program uses this pond to assist in Trout Unlimited’s goal of conserving, protecting and restoring North America’s trout and salmon fisheries and their watersheds. In other words the water is clean enough to allow environmentally sensitive trout fingerlings to be placed in their quarry pond. It was comforting to see that there was no dust floating in the air during my visit due to at least three key environmentally driven functions. Number one, the roads through out the plant are watered down to keep dust from becoming airborne.

Secondly, a system known simply as a pre-heater tower has reduced the manufacturing process’s need from five stacks down to one while doubling production. Lastly, they use what is called bag technology to keep any particulate matter from entering the environment. This as I understand it is similar to the idea of a vacuum cleaner bag in a vacuum cleaner, with the key exception that it costs millions of dollars to implement.

These last two processes in particular allow potential pollutants to be recycled into the manufacturing process, thereby reducing the impact on the air and water. This, it seems, is the actual and observable environmental science of the matter. By the way, in April of this year, Roanoke Cement was honored with the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence for Land Conservation.

A local fourth generation dairy farmer, Jerry Henderson, that farms right up the road from the plant said to me ‘Titan is a good member (of the community) all around’. I’m quite sure if Roanoke Cement’s manufacturing process was contaminating his livestock, he would have a completely different opinion.

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The ultimate and potentially damaging weapon environmental groups wield against their chosen business enemies is litigation. Local opponents of the Carolina Cement Company “will likely challenge the project in court,” according to a Wilmington Star-News article. The threat lurks in a cabal of environmental organizations linked together in a massive web where teams of trial lawyers spin lawsuits.

In this case, the North Carolina Coastal Federation (www.nccoast.org) is listed as a “partner” group and links to the Southern Environmental Law Center website (www.southernenvironment.org). The SELC and the Duke Environmental Law and Policy Clinic (www.law.duke.edu/envlawpolicy) tried to influence the state permitting process of Carolina Cement. They “urged regulators to delay issuing an air-quality permit” based on a “mercury threat.” SELC has assigned one of a dozen staff attorneys located in Chapel Hill, N. C. to this case.

The huge environmental web is difficult to weave through. One connecting strand to Stop Titan is a group called Waterkeeper Alliance. According to www.ActivistCash.com, groups such as this one often have innocent-sounding names but are “financial Goliaths.” These “nonprofits” get millions of dollars from left-wing foundations, large corporations, and wealthy individual donors. Worse, they are funded by government agencies. The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency gives grants to the Alliance—to help support more than 20 lawyers who continually scheme to sue American companies and industries.

This vast web uses “junk science, intimidation tactics, and even threats of violence to push their radical agenda,” according to the Activist Cash website.

The Waterkeeper Alliance is run by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from New York. It functions together with the “Riverkeeper” program and the Pace University Environmental Law Clinic. This eco-conglomerate has a team of lawyers recruited from 15 national law firms. They each chip in money to sweeten-the-pot that may eventually be worth billions to them.

The Waterkeeper spider nest has “declared war on America’s pork industry.” So far they have not been successful. While lawyers still count money they coerced from Big Tobacco, Kennedy has visions of a $9-13 billion scam from agri-business. The more you look, the more expansive the web becomes.

  The Alliance has connections with several other groups, including Environmental Media Services, a communications arm of the “leftist public relations firm,” Fenton Communications. They feed sensationalized stories to media for profit and to help prop up the credibility of nonprofits. 

  In 2001 the Sierra Club became a full partner in litigation against hog farmers and the pork industry. The Club joined the Alliance in 2003 to sue the U. S. EPA to “enact crushing new regulations on modern livestock farmers.”

The Waterkeeper Alliance has licensed “coastkeepers” to meddle in legitimate business activities along the coast. The self-serving “keepers” survey “environmental health” of assigned areas, “alert the public to potential hazards” and “expose those who contribute in any way” to so-called “degradation.” These nonprofit groups do not serve the public interest. We have more than enough state and federal laws, restrictions, rules, and monitoring by official agencies to protect us from environmental hazards.

Joel Bourne, a Stop Titan organizer, says he wants to get the regulators’ attention in court. He’ll have plenty of help from the environmental legal web. But having access to money and lawyers does not decide right from wrong—Stop Titan seems to be deeply tangled in that sticky web.

 

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I've worked for Carolinas Cement's parent company, Titan America, for three and a half years.  Among the many things I admire about my company is its strict adherence to our Core Values.  I invite you to review them on our website.  Indeed, Titan Cement has done right thing for more than 100 years - and the tradition continues. 

Earlier this week, a widow living in one of our Norfolk, Virginia neighborhood was scammed.  Some scuzz ball came to her door and promised to repair her driveway for $1,500 and well, you know the rest of the story.   The creep left a load of rocks and a phony receipt and that was the last she saw of him.  You can read the details in the August 27 edition of the Virginian-Pilot . 

A couple of our employees found out about her misfortune and escalated it to their manager . Within a day, Titan had built the lady a new driveway. One of our vendors supplied a dumpster to haul away debris.  And one of our competitors even gave the lady a check to refund her money. 

This is just one act of random kindness; they happen on a daily basis at Titan. As the Communications gal I'm privileged to learn about a lot of them.  I'm also on the front line to read and hear criticism and ugly,bald-faced lies about us from the misinformed Wilmington activists. It's frustrating and unfair. 

I chose to blog about this instance for a couple of reasons.  Mainly, I sincerely consider it a prilivege to work for a company with a deeply-rooted sense of true North. Sometimes it feels as though Titan is the exception instead of the norm - believe me, I've worked for the other kind, too.  I'm deeply respectful of my senior management who built a business based on honest and ethical dealings; likewise, I'm proud of my colleagues who continue the tradition.  Another reason is earlier this summer my own mom was a victim of a similar scam. She's a frugal, careful and smart woman who's not easily duped.  But she got taken in by a predator of the elderly and it sickens me to see how much it hurt and humiliated her. It happened in a different part of the country where there was no Titan America to come to her aid.

Building a lady a driveway doesn't change the world and it probably won't shake our nay-sayers out of their negativity.  But it sure means the world to one struggling widow.  And it's just one excellent example of what this company is really about and the quality of people who work for it.

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I have a question. Why do some people here want to prevent a large international, American run, manufacturing company from building a new plant here? Various other companies have been welcomed, but some hostility has been expressed toward another. Well, we all have our biases, but let’s look at this case. Corporate character and records show that people in this company:

• create a product important to all of us, using local natural resources.


• supply the product to regional American customers, thus, reducing the need for foreign imports.


• are virtually obsessed with occupational health and safety.


• have a strong and sincere “corporate social responsibility.”


• partner with local environmental organizations to conserve energy, improve wildlife habitat and provide outdoor recreation on its property.


• have received numerous state and federal environmental awards for air and water quality.


• are committed to meet or exceed all regulatory standards imposed by government agencies.


• willingly spend whatever is necessary to improve production efficiency and reduce negative environmental impacts.


• plan long-term operations with constant improvements using updated technology.


• manufacture the product in a closed system called a “bag house” (similar to a home vacuum cleaner) with virtually no observable emissions.


• contain all runoff water at the site.


• temporarily pump excess water from the site that is cleaner than that in receiving rivers and streams.


• recycle normally unusable materials back into the manufacturing process.


• maintain a dust-free outdoor environment. 


•  intend to invest $400 million in a new plant, better than any older one of its kind.


• will pay out more than $18 million annually to hired labor and local contractors.

Compare this positive information with the negativity and fear spread by the Stop Titan organization. The above is verifiable from observations of current operations; company history and plans; technical reports; and testimony from people who have had experience with this company.

For skeptics, a trip to the Roanoke Cement plant in Virginia would be a valuable learning experience. For activists who choose to attack the Titan America business, don’t waste the valuable time of its people.

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From Squall Lines



It was reported that you were a bit “bewildered” about the crowd that showed up in Raleigh “intended to oppose” HB-1410; your bill to “bring more public scrutiny to industrial recruitment.” We might applaud your assumed good intentions, but there are at least three reasons why this opposition does not surprise me:

1) Your collaboration with Sen. Julia Boseman, D-New Hanover who has sided with the Stop Titan gang to stall the permiting process for Carolinas Cement Company. Although you said “This is not aimed at Titan,” the proposed legislation is suspect in that case.

2) Closing “a loophole in state law” is also suspect. When we hear politicians propose this it’s likely to result in more restrictive rules that will be imposed by government on citizens and businesses. If, as you say, “the last thing I want to do is harm our ability to attract new business to the state, then, don’t do it. Even in the opinions of some state agency representatives your bill “could effectively shut down all future economic development prospecting.”

3) Environmental lobbies, I suspect, are behind this. They have a devious history of using our elected officials to do their bidding–usually not in the public interest. Also suspicious is your concern that if this bill fails there are “deeper reaching implications.” They are, according to your comment, allowing the State Environmental Protection Act to be “challenged.” Maybe it’s time that SEPA should be exposed to scrutiny. Does it really serve the public interest, or is it a tool of environmental activists used for their self-serving purposes?

Instead of trying to “tweak” public policy “a little bit,” you should spend a lot of time and energy in reducing government regulations and preventing the waste of our money on “incentives” that favor some businesses over others

 

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I was talking to someone the other day and they said that we should never pay a company an incentive to come here.  As I pondered their position, I had to ask myself; Why not?  If that is what the competition is doing and if that company’s presence could have long term economic benefit to this area, why should we eliminate ourselves from this opportunity?

 First of all, to resist the current arrangement with Titan Cement based on an anti-cash incentive stems from a misunderstanding of the incentive package.  The incentive, is in fact performance based.  Titan first has to generate a minimum of 2.2 million dollars of tax revenue the first year the plant is operational to receive six hundred thousand dollars.  The tax rebate is tied to their performance.  This must be done for seven years during the first seven years of operation.  In other words, they must build this 500 million dollar state of the art cement plant, and then generate enough business revenue to be able to pay the county at least 2.2 million in taxes before they can receive the rebate. 

 In addition, 800 contracting jobs will be created during the two year construction phase.  With the economy in the shape that it is in now, New Hanover County could use these jobs.  The unemployment rate in North Carolina is above 11%.  It is also my understanding that 161 full time jobs will be created to staff the plant with an average salary of 75,000.  That is over 12 million dollars in salaries.  It is only reasonable to expect some measure of tax revenue from the impact of those salaries.

 Some would say that we need only green companies.  Well, that certainly sounds good.  However, all necessary industry in a viable economy by definition cannot be green.  Non-green companies are still necessary.  A great example of this reality is Titan Cement and the Cement they produce.  Cement is the primary raw material used to produce Concrete.  Concrete is used to build hospitals, schools, churches, bridges, highways, and the list could continue.  Even ‘green’ companies need cement.  Additionally, Titan Cement will bring in those that could provide leadership and manpower in our civic organizations.

 I’ve heard that two significant concerns are with the tourism industry and the attraction of our area by retirees.  I certainly recognize that, however, it seems that another section is being left out.  How about the regular hard working American citizen that is trying to provide for their families?  Should we have to move to another area of the country to pursue our dreams of finding a decent job?  Will our children have to move away because our interest is being ignored? 

 I recognize that there are environmental concerns, and it appears that Titan is following not only the letter of the law, but the spirit of the law by committing themselves to exceeding that which is currently required by the law.  It is my understanding that there are regulations and safeguards on the federal, state and local levels to make sure that the plant is compliant before it can become operational.

 Look, I’m not saying that we should ignore concerns that we have.  However, as a conservative, I ask, how does it affect individual liberty and the pursuit of happiness, including property rights.(Titan owns the property)  Secondly, are we maintaining our commitment to limited government or are we encouraging its greater expansion and influence to ensure we have our way in this particular matter.  And finally, how does this affect our free market/capitalist economic system.

In defense of Titan Cement, I say, let them build the plant giving our economy a much needed boost and keep a close eye on compliance with environmental and air quality regulations so that our tourist can enjoy the beaches and other natural attractions, our prospective retirees can enjoy their well earned rest, and our hard working citizens can have an additional opportunity to find good steady work.

 

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Bozone (n.) The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. ___ Author unknown

During this temporary period of hot, humid weather, I’m reminded that ozone levels, caused by photochemical reactions, naturally increase. This oxidizing agent also deodorizes air, purifies water and treats industrial waste. It’s not all bad, but it is frequently promoted as a pollutant by government agents and health scare advocates. All elements of the natural world change regularly, and sometimes dramatically, but political activists want us to believe that they are optimally fixed and can be arbitrarily assigned by government.

Remember the Star-News front page headline in late April (4/29/09): “Under new rules, air quality ranked ‘D’”? It inferred that we may be breathing bad air, but the data showed otherwise. Vague and confusing information painted a blurry picture related to what might float around in the air here in River City.

Ozone, targeted as scary stuff, might be “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” the story writer warned. The American Lung Association (even body organs have advocates) promoted this fear in their annual air quality grading report. Why? Not because our air is proven unhealthy, but because the Environmental Protection Agency (note: it’s not called the Human Protection Agency) changed the rules. An ozone level higher than 0.085 parts per million (in an eight-hour period), in the previous threshold of danger, now has been lowered to 0.076 ppm. Check your ozone meter at least three times a day to see if it’s safe to breathe.

Last year, before EPA lowered the standard, the county had no unhealthy air days. At that time the ALA had graciously granted us an “A”- air grade. In fact, EPA data from 2000 to 2007 showed that ozone levels actually improved in the county, and didn’t exceed the earlier standard. However, an ALA vice president for “national policy and advocacy” spun the new ruling thus: “It means we’ve had unhealthy air all along,” she said.

Yes, and if the EPA lowered the ozone threshold to zero “sensitive groups” might presumably be at risk all the time. Of course the government will never do that because its advocates would have no reason to promote periodic fears so that they can drum up more public funding. People would soon realize that the hyped dangers are largely ethereal and few would support them.

Keep this in mind when you read the next air quality horror stories by Stop Titan activists about the Carolinas Cement Co. proposed plant.

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Published in the Wilmington StarNews 6/8/09

I see little value in wondering about other companies coming to Wilmington. Carolinas Cement has stated their intent, followed all the EPA rules and will bring good jobs and provide a much-needed stimulation for the area. It’s a bird in hand, if we’re not careful, it could fly away.

I toured the Roanoke plant myself and found it to be very safety and environmentally conscious, using state-of-the-art equipment and emission monitoring equipment. The Roanoke plant is surrounded by dairy and beef farms, residential developments and schools. None of the farms,developments or schools has ever been adversely affected by the plant or the limestone quarry. Cement is the main ingredient used in concrete, which people come in contact with it every day, It’s in your house, sidewalk, roads, bridges. This product could help the immediate area economy and the state/national economy. Producing cement here would reduce the amount that needs to be imported; this would be a small mark in the reduction of our nation’s trade deficit. CC has said they’d pay more than two million dollars in taxes in New Hanover County. They’ll use electricity, establish a business payroll, and contribute to community infrastructure and other purchase other services. They have a solid business plan; 40 year plan has been published.

CC will be a good neighbor, have a very strong reputation for community stewardship everywhere they go. Why support them? I have listed some basic FACTS above.

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Health and wellness are values that responsible people honor deeply.  Therefore, we depend upon and trust our physicians.  Rightfully so.  They’re smart people; practicing medicine and the myriad intricacies that it involves is hard stuff – plenty more than most of us can imagine.  But let’s give these hardworking caregivers a break and remind ourselves - their expertise is medicine.  Just because they’re physicians doesn’t mean they know everything.  We mustn’t expect them to.

Emblazoned on a billboard and proudly publicized by StopTitan, “200 local physicians signed a petition against Carolinas Cement” still remains a mystery.  In the first place, other than the few looking clinical and smart in their lab coats, who are they?  To my knowledge, this list was never made public.  Secondly, what is it, exactly, that they oppose?  I’ve read reports and I’ve seen Dr. Opper in his YouTube  appearance – he  seems like a nice guy and if I get diverticulitis I might pay him a visit. But he makes huge, wide-sweeping statements about cement plants in general; he speaks in ominous tones of “inevitable by-products” and “episodes of respiratory problems,” allegations and accusations that have nothing to do with the technologically-advanced manufacturing facility Carolinas Cement is proposing to build.   Opper makes one analogy after another regarding the long lag between cause and effect (e.g., second hand smoke, seatbelts).  Here’s one for you: comparing old cement factories to new, state-of-the-art facilities is rather like asking Dr. Opper how many leaches he uses to bleed his patients before he offers them two swigs of whiskey in lieu of anesthesia for their surgery.

I’ll state it again.  Our physicians are truly the cream of society and all of us would have lost loved ones and perhaps our own lives but for their expertise.   And yes, most Wilmington physicians are enjoying a comfortable lifestyle cushioned by the HMO’s, PPO’s and other assorted insurance plans primarily underwritten by companies such as Carolinas Cement. 

Opposing the project is entirely illogical.  It’s on public record that Carolinas Cement is following the permitting process to the letter of the law.  Their new facility will be superbly designed and continually monitored - it will do no harm to the community, only good. 

The 2007 U.S. Census Bureau reports more than 14% of people living in New Hanover County are living below the poverty level – and this number is increasing.  Dr. Opper is asking us not to trust “an international cement conglomerate.”  I have to believe that most physicians will agree that the horrible reality of living below the poverty level is a far worse scourge than any scare tactic the oppositions can dream up.  Need a second opinion?  Don’t ask the pampered, spoiled, student protesters with their well-fed bellies and perfect teeth about what types of businesses they would or would not like to see in Wilmington, they’re busy contemplating graduation and moving on to seek their fortunes elsewhere.  Rather, ask the long-time resident who’s been out of work and is having trouble putting beans on the table and can’t afford insurance or urgent care and certainly not constipation advice from Dr. Opper. 

 

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There is a reason that you get a second opinion when a doctor tells you something, the reason in this case is that they may not know or refuse to believe what is the truth.>
Milt Packard



You have got to be kidding me. You are sad misguided people that really don't understand why we are on this planet. >
Anonymous



The reason that you get a second opinion is to find out ALL of the facts. The sign does not give any idea to what was on the petition that the doctors signed. Where they not proud to publish that and list their name on it?? I have looked at all of the ST website information, studied EPA regulations concerning cement plants, limestone quarries and worked in locations that deal with industrial VOC on a daily basis for over 20 years. After considering all of this information I can suport Carolinas Cement and sign my name to it, since a mans' word is as good as his name. My reasons for being on earth and living in the United States are as follows; Practicing religous and political FREEDOMS Searching out a GOOD LIFE earned by a strong work ethic, empoying the ethioc at a good job, using intelligence, persistance and the ability to look outside the box to make informed decisions Practicing FRIENDSHIP; treating others as you would like to be treated PERSONAL TIME VALUES; actiivities that provide relief from negative thoughts, isues and peoples who are bitter, unhappy and looking for the easy way to get by in life thru less than honorable means. >
Milt Packard

Posted on SquallLines, May 29

Of course, it never went away. It’s persistent–and irrational. Three letters published by the Wilmington Star-News (May 28, 2009) demonstrate that.

An “enthusiastically pro-business” writer “can’t think of anything more harmful to our actual prosperity” than a cement plant. Anything? Aside from his bias for only businesses with which he approves–the pristine “information”-type–he expects that a modern plant vetted by stringent laws and thorough examination by multiple government agencies will damage even the “eclectic charm” of the area. Yet this plant will be located on a defined acreage adjacent to a current mining site (of which we’ve heard no complaining), and far from the varietal glamour we presume he now sees all around.

The letter writer implies that a cement plant could even make us a less friendly and “engaged” people. Gosh, we don’t want that. We already have too many unfriendly and detached people in the Stop Titan movement.

Then, a letter from a perennial anti-development instigator (the editor gives her credibility and cover as “a senior scientist with the N. C. Coastal Federation”) bitterly reminded of the failed “moratorium” scheme by our heroic state senator to legislatively stall the permitting process. The ploy was to “initiate a comprehensive review to determine” if the company plan “is in the best interest of our environment,” and many other aspects of our lives.

That one didn’t fly because for decades the law has required a comprehensive review of all this. In fact, that will take many months and impose heavy costs on the company–a gleeful time for the Titaniacs

The preservationist’s alternative to Americans producing a commodity–essential for building–from processed natural resources on their land is to spend millions of taxpayer’s dollars to purchase company property for “public gamelands.” Only someone truly out of touch with reality could come up with that.

Finally, another Stop Titan activist writes that cement company officials have promised Realtors in this area that “they’ll sell lots of houses” when the plant is built. Really?

What will these Titan-phobic people come up with next?

Maybe they plan to redline the Wilmington area to prevent Realtors from selling houses to those mean, nasty cement-covered people. I wouldn’t be surprised.

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Published on Friday, May 15, 2009 in the Wilmington StarNews

You can fool some people some of the time…

Abe Lincoln concluded his famous quip by saying, “but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time.”

Let’s restate the truth, the obvious and the opportunity for Wilmington. Titan and its subsidiary Carolina Cement have done nothing wrong.

In fact, they have done everything right. They bring to Wilmington a good corporate citizen with hundreds of well-paying jobs; they meet all government regulations; they have a clean corporate track record; they have been a good corporate citizen in nearby Roanoke, and they will be one here, too.

What’s not to like? Instead there is voodoo, fear, misinformation.

No, the North Carolina legislature did not fall for that, and neither should we.

Carolina Cement will be a great addition to our community. Let’s let them continue to prove it.

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From SquallLines, Posted May 16th, 2009 at 7:54 PM by Bob Smith

“Titan’s opponents say the battle isn’t over,” writes Chris Mazzolini in the Wilmington Star-News (May 15, 2009). Battle? What battle? Attacks on the Carolinas Cement Company should better be described as troublemaking rather than a fight between opposing forces. Company people don’t want to fight anyone. Not so their foes.

Sincere, hard-working American citizens want to use company property to produce a valuable product. They promise to follow all the government regulations and patiently wait while the long, expensive process grinds away. They fully cooperate with all requests by several regulatory agencies. Meanwhile, company people have opened every aspect of their proposed operations to intense scrutiny by anyone interested. And they offer hands in friendship and neighborliness to the Wilmington community. But how have their “opponents” acted?

They have used tactics to promote imagined fears in the minds of the public about the proposed plant operation. They have made false and malicious statements about the company. They have threatened lawsuits. They have coerced political operatives to “block” the plant operation. Powerful activist groups have joined an environmental jihad; its purpose to “Stop-Titan.” Responsible people must ask: Why?

Recently, opponents of the Carolinas Cement Co. had a set back in their obstructionist tactic to legislate against the firm. Their local political supporter, Sen. Julia Boseman, failed in a state legislative attempt to prevent the company from operating. She says she still plans to get around the senate rules somehow. However, apparently, Boseman has little support in Raleigh to shut down an important business that would significantly contribute to the state economy. Still, company harassers won’t give up.

Mike Giles, an environmental radical with the N. C. Coastal Federation, says his operatives will work on the senate committee that now holds the Boseman bill. They will “pry it out of there,” says he. It’s difficult to say what his group’s next wrenching tactic will be, but we can be sure they will try almost anything to stop this company from operating. This is no battle. It’s a one-sided, relentless assault by organized fanatics.

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I write on behalf of the Carolinas Cement Team. We are grateful to the North Carolina House and the Senate for not moving forward with any moratorium against Carolinas Cement, which would delay our ability to bring much needed jobs to this state. We thank Governor Perdue and her office, along with the state Department of Commerce for lending their support and for sharing in the vision that North Carolina remains a business-friendly state.

Today our elected representatives decided once and for all that the process to vet companies that wish to move, build and operate here is sound and that Carolinas Cement has responsibly adhered to this process.

We look forward to continuing our momentum, working with the N.C. Division of Air Quality, to receive our draft air permit so that we can build one of the most environmentally friendly plants in the world and start making our promised investment in this community.

Sincerely,

Bob Odom

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Written by Bob Warwick and originally printed in the May 2009 edition of the Greater Wilmington Business Journal:

Since announcing the formation of the Coalition for Economic Advancement (CEA) in January, I’ve had many people inquire about our purpose. It’s simple. We’re a non-profit advocacy organization dedicated to supporting responsible economic development.

Here’s an overly simplified summary of how economic development works in our region. Wilmington Industrial Development (Committee of 100) recruits businesses to our region. The Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce supports the business once they get up and running. In between selecting the site and opening for business, most companies go through a regulatory process with the city, county and state. During this in-between process, most companies are on their own, with limited support offered from other businesses or organizations.

Who does control this in-between process? Groups and individuals who want to stifle economic development through protests, misinformation and dubious business practices.

Unfortunately, many of these protestors wrap themselves in the cloak of environmentalism to mask what they’re really trying to do – stop any type of responsible economic development in our region. I use the term “unfortunate” because this misappropriation of the term environmentalism ultimately hurts the environmental movement by disenfranchising it from the business community instead of identifying ways for business and environment to work together.

To combat the stifling impact the NIMBY (not in my backyard) contingent is having on economic development, we formed the Coalition for Economic Advancement. CEA advocates for companies like Titan America, which is currently undergoing the permitting process at both the state and federal levels. We advocate for them because they have demonstrated their wish to be a productive member of our community.

Unfortunately, there appears to be a “politically correct” (and therefore incorrect) assumption in our community that threatens to undermine our economic prosperity. The assumption is that those who support industry and development are anti-environment. The thesis of my editorial is quite simple – economic development and environmentalism can and should peacefully coexist.

In fact, our Coalition consists of many staunch environmentalists. These are men and women who have lived almost their entire lives in the Cape Fear region. They enjoy hunting, fishing, boating and our beautiful beaches. I am here to tell you that we appreciate and respect the environment as much or more than any advocate for Stop Titan. 

However, we are sensible enough to understand that if we don’t encourage responsible growth, we won’t have anyone left in the community who will appreciate, respect and protect the environment. And, therefore, we must welcome businesses to our area that embrace good business practices and environmental stewardship.

Over the last decade, industry leaders have made important strides to become more environmentally responsible at the behest of the government, customers and the general public. Our community is fortunate that another environmental steward wants to locate in New Hanover County. That company is Titan America. One of Titan America’s core values is corporate social responsibility and it demonstrates this value in its communities everyday.

• Titan America’s Carolinas Cement has committed to preserving more than 310 acres of the highest quality wetlands on its site, along the Northeast Cape Fear River.

• Although it was not required in the permitting process, Carolinas Cement commissioned an independent, peer-reviewed human health risk assessment that concluded mercury emissions from the proposed Castle Hayne plant would have a nominal effect on the health of the community.

• Carolinas Cement has voluntarily subjected itself to the most stringent EPA regulation for mercury emissions, which is expected to be announced April 21.

• In March, Titan received the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence for Land Conservation due its outstanding contribution toward protecting and conserving the environment and benefiting the health and welfare of Virginia’s communities.

• Titan America’s Roanoke Cement plant earned a 2007 and 2008 Energy Star for superior energy efficiency within the cement industry.

• Roanoke Cement planted an apple orchard adjacent to the plant for employees and their families to enjoy and helped revitalize areas of the Appalachian Trail.

• Roanoke Cement partners with Trout Unlimited, a national organization dedicated to conserving, protecting and restoring North America’s trout and salmon fisheries and their watersheds.

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« A yawning perception gap on the Tea Parties
Don’t fall for it, New Hanover »
Coast Keeping

Posted April 20th, 2009 at 8:22 PM by Bob Smith

I was amused to read the Sunday Star-News opinion page article by Mike Giles. His self-important title, “coastkeeper” apparently gives him credibility with the editorial editor. Actually, he is a community activist working for the N. C. Coastal Federation, an environmental lobbying “nonprofit” group—profiting from taxpayer’s “grants.”

Mr. Giles desperately tried to make the case that we shouldn’t trust government regulators. On that, I can generally agree, but he worries that regulatory agencies aren’t up to preventing the Carolinas Cement Co. from building a plant on their land north of Wilmington.

As I understand the process, the agencies aren’t established to carry out the wishes of Giles and his organized activists to stop the company from operating. At least, I hope not. We should expect the agencies to reasonably use the law and rules to protect citizens from possible harm while protecting the rights of businesses to legally operate.

Actually, the deck is stacked in Giles’ favor. Multiple agencies at several government levels will be evaluating virtually all aspects of the land, water, air, plants, animals and much more. The process will consume many months and lot’s of money. Government will have the ultimate power to approve the operation, or not.

Carolinas Cement people will follow its requests. They can only hope the regulators are reasonable people and use common sense—characteristics not demonstrated by the Stop Titan activists.

Giles charges that the cement company has “eight paid lobbyists” who will influence state legislators. There again, the deck is stacked against the company. The Southern Environmental Law Center, a partner group with the Coastal Federation, has eleven lawyers on staff in Chapel Hill, with 30 more available in nearby states.

In addition, the Coastal Federation has 18 staff activists paid to spread their Stop Titan messages up and down the coast, and probably in Raleigh. What’s Mr. Giles so worried about?

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Thanks, Mr. Kruse.  You've summed it up very nicely!

Published: Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 6:09 p.m. in the Wilmington StarNews.

How wonderfully appropriate it is that Senator Boseman's action to bar the Carolinas Cement Company's new plant with her proposed senate bill appeared on the same Star-News front page as the headline article on the current employment situation. I guess losing 30+ jobs at BASF isn't enough - who's next on Julia's hit list? GE? Corning?

We have stringent state and federal environmental regulations in place - not to mention "as-of-right" industrial zoning, let the regulatory process proceed and let the chips fall where they may. This bill will be a red flag to any business considering locating here and to any existing businesses thinking of expansion. This action is unprecedented and reeks of grandstanding and pandering to the nth degree. If the bill passes and causes Titan to say we quit, then Julia will have effectively shut the door to new industrial development in New Hanover for years to come and severly limit options for the local blue collar work force and construction industry.

Wayne Kruse
Wilmington

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I am curious who she is pandering to? Does representing your constituent's interests and requests constitute pandering? What started as ripple here in the Wilmington community against exposing us to more proven neurotoxins has grown into a strong wave against Titan. If Julia had ignored the demands of her community, wouldn't she then not be doing her job? If we can have an honest discussion without all of the vitriol about the well documented health effects of the pollutants that cement plants generate, perhaps then our local community can answer for themselves the simple question that this all boils down to: Are you willing to trade your health and environment for cement? We can dance around this core question all we want, but at the end of the day, it all comes back to that, nothing more, nothing less.>
Anonymous



Well I do believe I am also a constituent and from what I gather from most people I talk to, most are willing to let the studies proceed and THEN make a decision. I also believe that the opponents are in the minority, that's not to say a minority of constituents shouldn't have representation but - they already do, in the form of fought for in-place regulations and requirements. I personally stand to gain nothing from the plant, except perhaps lower taxes and a more viable diversified economy in the region. I do have a major concern about jobs, especially blue collar jobs and construction jobs. Also as a retired professional that has worked in the engineering & construction business for many years and who has also been involved with economic development and site location - I can guarantee that targeting a single plant on the basis of insufficient information will significantly impact the decisions of other companies and site location consultants that might consider the area. Furthermore,existing companies already in the area that might consider expansion will most certainly have to think twice. When you speak of documented health effects of cement plants you are looking at historic information, what counts is the scientifically derived + or - parameters that a new plant will meet. It's not an apples to apples comparison. So please let the professionals in government and industry do their jobs before rushing to judgement. Add to your question of "are you willing to trade your health and environment for cement?" Are you willing to tell 160 unemployed persons and hundreds of underemployed construction workers that - you can do without health insurance - just because you didn't want to wait for the results of a defined process? In my opinion, Boseman is pandering to a small but vocal group, some of whom I think have done an admirable job of making the public aware of the issues, but also includes others who have now decided that regardless of the actual impact of the plant - have become advocates of building absolutely nothing anytime anywhere. Putting forth legislation that has very little chance to be passed - is pandering. For those that live in the area of the plant, I'm sorry that you may be inconvenienced during the construction and possibly when the plant is in operation. It is however an existing industrial site, is zoned as such and has been for many years. It's akin to moving next to an airport and complaining about the noise. However I think most living near the plant will find little impact to their life and may find positives in CCC's contributions to the community, I hope so.>
Wayne Kruse

Titan cement plants are winning outstanding recognition - one might say stellar, in fact - for our environmental and energy conservation efforts.  We're thrilled that our Roanoke Cement Company was the receipient of the prestigious Energy Star Award in both 2007 and 2008.  Our Pennsuco plant was also a 2008 receipient of the Energy Star Award.

EPA Energy Star program recognizes manufacturers' energy efficient solutions that save money while protecting the environment and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  If you've shopped for appliances lately, you're familiar with the bright green Energy Star logo. 

And here's the green icing on the sustainability cake.  Titan America has recently formed a partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy's Energy Star® Program.  As a condition of the partnership, Titan America agrees to submit to independent monitoring of its energy efficiency.  This will include base lining, tracking and benchmarking the company’s energy performance, using tools offered through Energy Star.

Titan is on the leading edge of what's essentially a new industrial revolution.  We're blazing the trail for efficient, sustainable, conservation-minded, “green” projects that will help America achieve energy independence and move away from dependency on foreign oil.  

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Ther are many of us here in the Wilmington area glad you are coming here and bringing us jobs. Thx >
Anonymous



It just totally amazes me how the difference between misinformation, denial and outright refusal. From what I have read about this proposed project; it seems to me that these people might know what they are doing. they have been in this industry for over 100yrs, they have thriving, environmentally friendly plants operating in other areas of the country, no violations of EPA regulations or standards have I read about. From what i have read, they (Titan) if willing to do whatever is required. They A The only people that seems to have a with Titan are the ones with jobs, a house, and no threat of losing any of the above.problem >
Anonymous



I am a resident and parent of the Wilmington community. Concern for my children's health goes without saying for me. I am a little confused however by the opposition to the Titan project. Is Titan presenting any more of a threat to our community and environment than the already existing nuclear operations at GE, or the emissions from other plants in the area like Corning? Did anyone oppose this project so ademently for the already existing plant that Titan is merely restarting? My concern is, is it a lot of political posturing that may prevent my children from having an economically sound future in this community or is there a vaild threat? >
Anonymous

Opponents have accused Carolinas Cement of attempting to rush the issuance of the permit because of new mercury emission rules being proposed by the EPA. Not true. As we’ve stated many times (but which the media consistently fails to report), CAROLINAS CEMENT WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE NEW EPA RULES WHEN THEY TAKE EFFECT, so delaying our draft air permit will only delay our ability to bring much needed revenue and jobs to this community.

Construction will not begin until both the air and wetlands permits are safely in hand. But we need lead time for design, planning and ordering equipment.  The more delays Carolinas Cement faces, the longer it will take to build the plant, provide jobs, and inject a sorely-needed economic booster shot into the greater Wilmington community.

We’ve stated time and again that we’re following the permitting process to the letter of the law.  For a small group of activists to ask for delays is supremely self-serving and just plain irresponsible. If you have questions about our project or the process required to obtain our permits, just ask us.

There is no benefit to stalling the Carolinas Cement air permit.  The cement industry is stringently regulated, the state and federal processes are sound and we’re following them to the letter.   Here’s the irony:  These irrational requests to stall the Carolinas Cement project sabotage the very mechanism that was designed by environmentalists to protect the environment.  We politely suggest the opposition stop getting in its own way.

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Much attention has been paid to the N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission's decision to send letters to both the State Division of Air Quality and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers asking to delay Carolinas Cement's draft air permit.  We are not aware of any technical basis in the air permitting process to accomodate their request to delay the permit, because the state has governed that the process only covers air quality, not aquatic resources.

We recognize their right as an interested party to comment as part of the process, just like anyone else. However, the air permit is not the place to address these concerns. Their requests should not have any impact on the air permitting process, unless the Division of Air Quality rewrites its requirements. It is in fact the Corps that will address potential impacts on aquatic resources, within the Environmental Impact Statement.

The news of the Commission’s ruling should not overshadow the fact that we have to prove to state and federal agencies that we will operate a safe facility that will not cause harm to members of our community or any of our community’s natural resources. We are looking forward to building on our momentum and eventually constructing what will be one of the cleanest and safest cement manufacturing facilities in the world.

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Dear Ms McClain: In response to your concerns about the DMF's statement requesting a delay in Titan's air permit, there are at least two important issues that need to be mentioned. The first is the inextricable linkage between air quality and aquatic resources for contaminants such as mercury, which goes up stacks and can be deposited into water bodies and bioaccumulated in fish. The second relates to the likelihood that stricter federal emission rules for mercury might soon be implemented. Isn't it possible that Titan wants to receive its air permit before these rules come out so they won't need to immediately comply with stricter regulations?>
Anonymous



Anonymous - Thanks for your question. First, let me emphasize that WE WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE EPA'S NEW, MORE STRINGENT REGULATION NO MATTER WHEN OUR AIR PERMIT IS GRANTED. So, it would be entirely illogical for us to rush the process to obtain it sooner. Secondly, the air permit does not address aquatic studies. Such studies (and many others) will be undertaken when the US Army Corps of Engineers works on the Environmental Impact Statement for our second major permit, our wetlands permit. Again -delaying the permit only delays the construction of the plant - which delays income and sorely-needed jobs in the Wilmington community.>
Kate Mcclain

Doesn't matter if there's no money to buy it. I'm sure that Titan's current US facilities can manage, if it ever comes to that.>
Anonymous



Joel Bourne said tonight that the US can buy cement from Columbia, South America. They are a great supplier of cement and direct competition for Titan. Joel Bourne neglected to note that this move would further unbalance the US trade deficit. I wonder who will buy Nation Geographic and read Joel's articles when they are unemployed?>
Anti-Anonomous**

The following letter was published on January 3, 2009 in the StarNews as a response to a recent article written by Chris Mazzolini.  I'd like to know your thoughts.

Editor,

The recent article by Chris Mazzolini on Charolinas Cement's air premit process requires clarification and calls into question his ability to impartially report on this project.

First, Mazzolini writes that "Titan officials are eager to avoid a prolonged review of the air permit."  That's true.

But the implication that our company is trying to sneak something through the regulatory process is simply poor reporting. 

Carolinas Cement is a business that has to meet deadlines; the air permit is needed to move forward

Second, Mazzolini's reference to a legal challenge to our air permit process implies that we should just accept that our opponents' agruments are worthy of delaying the entire project.

They're not, and we won't.

Mazzolini approaches our filings with the critical skepticism appropriate for a reporter.  I do not see that same skepticism applied to our opponents.

Third, Mazzolini writes of the channges made to avoid wetlands in our mine footprint.

But, the premitting process requires us to seek alternatives with less environmental impact.  From our earliest meetings with regulatory agencies, we stated thate if other less sensitive lands became available, we would more to those lands, and we have.

There is no subterfuge with Carolinas Cement's air permit application.

We support an open, transparent and balanced permitting process.  We expect the same from Star-News reporters.

Marino Papazoglou

 

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Last week, Carolinas Cement and Roanoke Cement shipped 100 care packages to troops based in N.C. and Va. who are serving abroad. 

Company executives meet each November to discuss business goals and corporate social responsibility initiatives for the year ahead.  This year, company leaders elected to launch a military care package campaign.  Two thousand Titan America employees throughout N.C. and Va. donated goods or money to the program.  Goodies shiped overseas included personal hygiene products, chewing gum, hard candy, granola bars, book and much more.  Way to go, Carolinas Cement!!

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Congratulations to Roanoke Cement!  Three of its sites have operated eleven years without a lost time accident:  Castle Hayne, Richmond and Winston-Salem terminals.  The Portland Cement Association recently recognized RCC with a certificate commerating the event. 

"This is a special milestone in that for eleven years, no employee of these three terminals was injured or had to miss work," stated Ronnie Collins, Business Unit Safety Manager for Mid-Atlantic, Essex Cement and Separation Technologies for the past two years.  "This milestone solidified the commitment management and the employees have made toward working safely."

Safety is the number one core value at parent company Titan America.  Employees and guests from each location celebrated the accomplishment with a dinner party.  "It's a 'can-do' attitude and enthusiasm on the job that makes achievements like these possible," said Collins.  "It makes me proud to be associated with a team like this."

 

POST A COMMENT

What will be the transportation needs for the new quarry location? Will the limestone be moved by rail or trucks and how will present traffic patterns on Holly Shelter Road and Blue Clay Road be impacted? What is the expected volume of truck or rail traffic on these roadways? What is the amount of truck or rail traffic per ton of limestone for your present operations in Roanoke and Pennsuco? Thank you, AC>
Anonymous



Given the 310 acres of wetlands that will not be impacted, do you have a revised estimate of the acres of wetlands (regardless of their present condition) that will be impacted by mining and plant operations? Thank you.>
Anonymous



Thanks for your question about the number of acres that will be impacted. It's a good question, but I'm not able to answer it at this time. Here's why: The possible footprint for mining activity is currently under review by the Army Corps of Engineers as part of their Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), required to be undertaken before our wetlands permit can be issued. Even after the Corps has made it's decision, please realize that we operate by the philosophy of "avoid, minimize and mitigate" regarding all wetlands use.>
Kate Mcclain

Dear Interested NH Resident, The comparison made of the proposed CH plant, and the existing plant in Roanoke is by no means deceptive,and The plant in Roanoke is by no means "in the middle of nowhere." It sits within a community close to the Appalachian Trail; just a few miles from residential housing, schools and other vital parts of the community. This is the same plant that Titan has sponsored facility tours to see. Wilmington Residents had the opportunity to visit this community and see it and not just read about. I am quite sure that the residents of Roanoke care just as much about the natural beauty and resources of their community as do Wilmington residents, and may even consider Wilmington "in the middle of nowhere." >
Anonymous



Ms. McClain: You missed an important point of my prior email. I was saying that a more appropriate comparison of the proposed CH plant would be to your Pennsuco plant in Medley, FL, not to your Roanoke plant. Interested individuals should take a look at a Google Earth image of that facility to see what some of the impacts on Castle Hayne might be if the plant is allowed to be built. Also, I had submitted an earlier question asking about the total number of acres of wetlands that could potentially be impacted if the plant goes forward, but never got an answer. Can you answer this with a number? With all due respect, this skirting of some important issues is what exasperates at least some opponents of the proposed plant. >
Anonymous



Hello again, Anonymous! Good to hear from you again. However, I'm confused that you're asking the same questions again. Please see the blog "New Quarry" above. But I'll revisit the concern. I completely disagree with your statement "a more appropriate comparison of the proposed CH plant would be to your Pennsuco plant in Medley, FL, not to your Roanoke plant." I've spend a fair amount of time at our Pennsuco plant. It is an extraordinary, technologically-advanced facility, staffed by some of the world's leading experts. But it is located in a highly industrial community in south Florida, which in no way resembles Wilmington or Roanoke. Further, your statement that "Interested individuals should take a look at a Google Earth image of that facility to see what some of the impacts on Castle Hayne might be if the plant is allowed to be built" frankly makes no sense, my friend. Have you actually visited either of our plants? Regarding your question about the total number of acres of wetlands that could potentially be impacted - I assure you, nobody is skirting any issues at Carolinas Cement. As we've stated many times, the issue of what property is suitable and approved to be mined is currently being studied by the US Army Corps of Engineers as part of our Environmental Impact Study. We have no way of knowing what property they will approve so your "total acreage" question is impossible to answer at this time.> > >
Kate McClain

Why does titan cement not answer the questions that the citizens of New Hanover ask. They respond very selectively and don't answer some questions at all. this appears to the general public that titan is hidng something. I think you are a good company but have a product that is not good for our sensitive water and wetland environment. Titans response through paid PR representative is not believable nor accceptable. You need to hire another expensive firm to brainwash the community. And, your local contributions to charities is being perceived as bribs.>
Anonymous



My dear Anonymous. You are wrong. We at Carolinas Cement communicate broadly and regularly with the good citizens of New Hanover County. We personally answer questions posed by individuals and groups in many formats on a daily basis; we make presentations to organizations and associations large and small; we also welcome questions via e-mail, telephone, website and blog. We have hosted tours of our cement plant in Roanoke and invited all interested persons to attend. I was deeply involved with three public informational workshops in which more than forty Titan employees and our business partners eagerly discussed the project, answered questions and distributed literature. I expect you follow the local news with great interest so you'll know that I also work closely with your local media, responding to their inquiries immediately and keeping them updated with late breaking. I don't know how you make your living, Anonymous, but this is what I do and I can assure you that we are satisfying questions posed by your friends and neighbors. If you have questions, please ask.>
Kate McClain



I feel compelled to comment on recent comparisons on your website and mass emailing of the proposed Castle Hayne plant to the existing Roanoke plant in Troutsville, VA. This comparison is quite deceptive. First, the proposed plant would produce nearly twice as much cement as the Roanoke plant (2.4 vs 1.3 million tons, according to your figures), with corresponding increases in pollutant emissions. Second, as stated in the story on the WECT website, the Roanoke plant is "in the middle of nowhere." The proposed CH plant is not in the middle of nowhere. It is located near sensitive estuarine wetlands which serve as a nursery for many economically valuable fish species. These wetlands, located in a subtropical environment, also happen to be conducive to formation of methylmercury, the most toxic form of mercury that accumulates in fish, other aquatic organisms, and people. This is a particular concern since the propose Titan plant may emit hundreds of pounds of mercury that will contribute to an increased methylmercury problem if the plant is built. Of course, there are many other issues and concerns, but the point is that your comparisons to the Roanoke plant seem more like propaganda than a truthful attempt to portray the environmental impacts of large-scale cement production. A better comparison might be to your Pennsuco facility in Medley, FL. Interested individuals should make themselves aware of the significant issues with mercury accumulation in fish and other species in South Florida. >
Interested NH County resident

Get the Facts. I took the opportunity to visit the Roanoke Cement Complex in Troutville, Va this past Saturday. This was a trip hosted by Titan America. I visited with the neighbors (whose farms suuround the Troutville facility), Roanoke plant employees and the county manager. I toured the facility, rock quarry through final processing. The quarry and plant were impressive, safety is very high on the plant management's list. The plant was well run and there was a synergy with each operation. The constant monitoring system (for plant VOCs and environmental points)was impressive and proved to me that Titan is very serious about their process with respect to output of all types (products and by-products). The plant manager and his team displayed and explained many plant improvments which lead to better plant operations, conditions, safety and environmental conditions. One great expample that was impressive was the way that they are re-using a large amount of a by-product that was sent to a landfill for years. They have reduced the amount of the by-product that the cement process yields as well as REMOVING what has been landfilled in past years to use as a cement component. There are more details that the Roanoke plant staff shared that show the depth, seriousness and committment they have to the environment and the community. The neighbors were very happy that Titan was in control of the plant. These families have lived next to the plant and farmed the land for many years. They were very positive with Titan's positive actions and gave details about the improvements that have taken place since Titan bought the facility in 1992. With respect to "Stop Titan" concerns about environmental hazards; I did not see any evidence or did not hear of anything from the neighbors. They assured me that they have NEVER had any adverse environmental with their families or their way of life. These people are milk farmers and beef farmers, both types of products are FEDERALLY regulated, milk is especially sensitive to the environment. You can tell the day that cows are turned out into pasture in the spring, the raw milk will have a slight "green" taste after they have consumed hay, silage and grain all winter. I know this as a first hand fact since I lived on a Pennsylvania dairy farm for the first 20 years of my life. No ones' milk in the Troutville, Va.valley has ever failed a state market test. In closing, I will tell anyone who thinks they should "STOP Titan" or anyone who is wondering what all of the negative concern is about should go on the next trip to Roanoke, bring their data, concerns about incidents, the environment and details about the new Carolina Cement Castle Hayne facility that concern them, talk with the Titan America senior business manager, Roanoke plant manager and staff, the Troutville, Va. neighbors and see what the "other side" of the story really is about. Have a good evening and a better Monday! >
Milt Packard



Thanks,Milt!>
Kate McClain

The plant won't be up and working for a couple of yrs? Who's building it? Local jobs? We need work now.Why so long?Why are people being brought here to work? Where are the 160 jobs you have.All labor jobs? Driver jobs? Sales? FAT $$ DESK JOBS? -HIRE LOCALS-.It dosent seem that way. Must be Political,promise the world,then end up with minimum wage hard labor jobs.in a couple yrs? Sounds more like big buisness lies to me.This community needs work now,lots of work.Step up do the right thing.TELL THE TRUTH.NO Building market,no jobs,rednecks watch T.V. too yaknow.Some of us R EVEN SMART 2.Maybe we should say the dirty word. UNION The things that make you go Hmmm..>
Randy



Randy - thanks for your questions. Please see my September 20 blog for details.>
Kate McClain

I believe I was the one who asked this question at the "get to know us meeting" at CFCC. I was told by your representatives that there would definitely be an increase in the number of train cars as well as an increase in the number of train runs each day (and night). In fact, I was told that because you would produce 5 times the amount of cement that is currently produced the rail traffic would increase by 5 times. Not to mention the amount of raw materials that might be shipped in by rail. This is an important issue! Will the rail traffic increase or not?>
Anonymous



Hello, Anonymous! According to the local CSX Train Master, Carolinas Cement will not require any additional crossings per day compared to the current Castle Hayne schedule. However, the number of cars per crossing will likely increase. We agree this is an important issue. If you need additional information, please let me know. >
Kate McClain



Specifically, how many train cars per day will be needed to support all transportation operations at Carolinas Cement? Clearly, this number, or a good approximation, is available to Titan America officials and should be shared with the people of Castle Hayne and New Hanover County at this time. Clearly, the CSX Train Master was given the number of train cars generated by Carolinas Cement per day on which to base his conclusion. Once this number is supplied, the citizens of Castle Hayne can make up their own minds on whether the sound level associated with this increased train traffic will "be very similar to current levels" or not. Thank you>
AC

My husband and I are very interested in progression of your Castle Hayne plant possibly coming to an reality in near future. We lost so many of our manufacturing companies to overseas vendors. In following your news updates about Titan America it sounds likes this opportnity is exactly what New Hanover county and surroundings counties desperately needs. You have our votes. We will definitely be following progress to obtain opportunities for employment. Thank you Scobers
Tammie Scober



Thanks, Mr. and Mrs. Scober! We appreciate your support!
Kate McClain



My wife and I are very very excited about the prospect of Titan America opening up in Castle Hayne, NC. I have been moving aggregates for the past 10 years and would like to know the best way to go about obtaining job at Titan.>
Brian Petretti

Appreciated Titan's efforts to provide information on the proposed Castle Hayne plant. Most recently, significant concerns were expressed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, NC Division of Marine Fisheries, NC Division of Water Quality, the NC Division of Coastal Management, and the NC Wildlife Resources Commission in opposition of this facility. Some of these reasons include unmitigable damage to the natural resources in the area, which "represents an aquatic resource of national importance" (USFWS supervisor), and irreparable damage to the Castle Hayne aquifer, the scope of which cannot be estimated. A Titan official had previously indicated that "If a site was considered unmitigable for whatever reason, we'll respect that and consider other properties" (Kate McClain, Titan America). Further Marino Papazaglou (Titan's project manager) told an audience of NHC residents (including the County Commissioners) that if it was determined that this project would harm the environment in "any way, shape, or form," Titan would not build the plant. I am a resident (and taxpayer) of northern New Hanover County, and I would like to know how you respond to the concerns expressed by these Federal and State officials (can all of these groups be wrong?), and whether or not Titan will honor Papazaglou's promise.
Anonymous



Thanks for attending the workshop. As we've stated in several forums, the area determined by the US Fish and Wildlife Service to be unmitigatable makes up only about 12 percent of the proposed site. The remaining property - including the site of the plant itself - was never under question. Further, the majority of the quarry area does not include the type of wetlands that these agencies have characterized as unmitigatable. These letters, by the way, were submitted as a normal part of the EIS process and not as a protest. Our next steps and the proper course of action is to allow these studies and processes to be thoroughly conducted and to advise you of the results.
Kate McClain

Will you be receiveing and processing fly ash into the cement manufacture from local power plants and/or power plants outside the region? How will that be delivered to the plant and handled at the plant?
Anonymous



Can you make anything else at this plant like cement blocks?
Nancy J.



I've lived my entire life on the North Carolina coast, and I want to see it grow as much as the next guy. I've read what you say, and I believe you when you say that you will do your best, but is that enough? Like your Miami plant, this plant will be in an area that is prone to hurricanes and floods. What would be the impact of such an occurence?
Drew M



Hello! Regarding your question about delivery of fly ash: The fly ash will be hauled in delivery trucks which will be covered and damp to control dust. When they arrive at the plant they will unload to a covered hopper with specially designed rubber curtains that do not allow any dust to escape. From there all material will be conveyed to the Material Storage Building via covered conveyor belts that will not allow any dust to escape. The same types of covered conveyor belts will feed all raw materials to the plant equipment for processing. Properly designed dust collection systems will be installed at all transfer points to ensure a dust free operation.
CCC



Thanks for your question regarding concrete blocks. The Carolinas Cement Plant will make cement, which is the main ingredient in concrete. We will sell our cement to local ready-mixed concrete plants, who may manufacture concrete blocks.
CCC



Hello, Drew! Not sure I fully understood your question about hurricanes and floods. But it's important to note that concrete homes are very popular in hurricane-prone areas - yet another important reason to have a cement plant nearby! Concrete homes are resistant to storms, wind, fire and termites. They're also very well insulated. Remember the tale of the three pigs? Please let me know if I can answer your question more specifically.
CCC



During Hurricane Floyd in 1999, the North Carolina Department of the Environment and Natural Resources said that 40 hog lagoons were completely flooded out, and another 6 failed to function properly. 35 other hazardous waste sites were inundated by the flood waters, as were two hundred and fifty highly hazardous landfills. To top it all off 130 underground storage tanks for dangerous waste leaked toxins into the ground water supply. All of these sites were built to specifications, but no one thought the water could get as high as it did. All of this filth and trash eventually washed down into the rivers, and from there to the estuaries, and then on to the ocean. That's one storm. That's the type of area you are entering. What would happen if your plant ended up underwater? It is a distinct possibiliity.
Drew M



What phase of construcion are you at? Have you "broken ground" - or - is this still in the permitting stage? Will the design be similar to the plant in Miami?
Bill



Hello, Bill! Carolinas Cement Company is currently undergoing due diligence for our new plant. In other words, we're in the permitting process. We hope to begin operations sometime in late 2011 or early 2012.
CCC



You sent postcards to Castle Hayne residents about a info meeting at CFCC on June 24, 2008 to answer questions about the building of the cement plant in Castle Hayne. On the bottom of the postcard it states, "Postmaster - please deliver before June 21, 2008" Today is June 26, 2008 and I just received my postcard. You would have had a larger crowd if the postcards would have been delivered as you directed. I would ask the post office to return your postage, because they didn't deliver
Gib



June 26, 2008 We received a postcard in today’s mail inviting us to a meeting “to discuss concerns and answer questions live and in person.” The postcard arrived two days AFTER your scheduled meeting. We most certainly would have been interested in attending and voicing our extreme opposition. Nice ploy, but such mailing tactics will not stop the fight, and only fuel the concerns of the type of neighbor we DON’T want.
Jack, Nannie, Matt Doyle



My family and I are extermely excited to welcome Carolinas Cement Company to New Hanover County. The same people that are opposed to your relocation also complain about their taxes. It is a shame that they don't stop and think that one reason why taxes keep climbing in NHC is because we have very little industry to help carry the load. Many people moved here to retire after making their living in an industry-related position; now they want to shut the door behind them. Many more of us know the benefit of having thriving industries and say welcome!
Anonymous



I feel the need to address the tax incentive issue. Why is it so difficult for the opposition to acknowledge that just the property taxes alone that Carolinas Cement Company will pay to New Hanover County will outweight the tax incentive. Let me make it simple for the opposition...if you owe me $100; and b/c I want to keep you as a friend I let you keep $20; I am still netting $80. It is basic math people! So, go ahead and be opposed...then you don't have the right to say one word about any current or future tax increase.
Anonymous



I would like to make it known that many of the people in oppositon to Carolinas Cement Company are NOT New Hanover County residents and many more do not own property or pay property taxes in New Hanover County.
Anonymous



Dear Doyle Family, please refer to the postcard you received...the post office was to deliver the cards by June 21, plenty of notice of the meeting. If you are going to complain, get your facts right. CCC didn't have anything to do with the post office delivery schedule, call your post office and complain...
a nhc resident



In response to a nhc resident: If you would read this site's own home page comment, you would note that MANY people did not receive dated mailings on time. Coincidence? Since the mailings have no postmark, there is absolutely no proof that these mailings took place before the actual advertised meetings. Regardless of fault, it is a bad reflection on the corporation and on local government. Titan wants to build in close proximity to a planned new school, and in a part of the county not serviced by public water systems. Wells are drying at all time record rates. Added poison is all we need. Before you sit in judgment, walk in our concerned shoes.
Anonymous



Let me get this straight...giving a company millions in tax dollars will lower taxes?! Instead of laughing at this joke, I offer proof to the opposite: Verizon Wireless was given ridiculous tax incentives to locate in New Hanover County and hasn't yet provided the number of promised jobs. GE was offered even more ridiculous tax incentives and readily admits the jobs they will offer will require flooding our county with out of town engineers--no jobs for locals-- who will demand services our tax dollars must support. This is a very slippery slope. In theory, growth is good. But as a resident of 44 years, I must say that more often then not, growth benefits a few on the backs of many. I've been a first hand witness to a great reduction in the quality of life in New Hanover County thanks to companies, government, and greedy developers.
Anonymous



I, as so many others, received my invitation for the meeting late. I neither oppose nor support your coming to Castle Hayne. I would have liked to listen to what the company and other residents had to say before I form an opinion. I hope delaying the mailing of the post cards was not a ploy to keep the opposition to a minimum. That would lead me to believe that the company had something to hide and was trying to manipulate the out come of the meeting. Please mail invitations on time so I can be at the next meeting. Thank you.
Rob Bode



I assure you that I am a New Hanover county resident, property owner, and taxpayer. I also assure you that I, along with many of my neighbors, do not want a cement manufacturer less than 5 miles down the road. There is nothing wrong with industry, the right kind of industry. Numerous companies manufacture products which could actually be beneficial to the public without harming the environment. Those are the type of companies that New Hanover county should be attempting to attract. The health of my family is not worth having a highly polluting industry down the road just to keep taxes down. Those of you who supposedly think this is a great idea, come & live next door to this & see how happy you are then.
Anonymous



Titan America: I am very curious as to why the company representatives backed out of the informational meeting scheduled on Monday 6/30/08 at UNCW? In regard to Titan's "advertisement" in the Star News on Sunday June 29th. Where are your sources? I would like a full list of the documents that provide these figures. Furthermore, Titan claims that "We will plant thousands and thousand of trees!" Could Titan please be more specific? How many trees and where will the trees be planted? Rather than continuing to expel millions of tons of C02 into the atmosphere each year, like every other cement plant, what is Titan doing to develop alternatives to cement? Lastly, why is Titan trying to dissuade the public about the dangers of a cement plant in Castle Hayne? Why did Titan not announce their meetings with the New Hanover County Commissioners 3 years ago when they began discussing plans to open a plant in Castle Hayne? If Titan wants to be transparent in the public eye, they have certainly done a terrible job doing so. The people of Wilmington have a right to openly discuss the grave ramifications of this proposed cement plant with Titan America. When does Titan plan to have an open forum with the public, which also includes representatives from the opposition? In sum, it is time to be transparent and not simply focus on the ECONOMIC aesthetics of such a plant being opened in New Hanover County. Thanks for setting up this blog. However, I think the pictures of the beach lining the right-hand column of this blog should be of cement plants. David Pinsky
David Pinsky



Are you building a new location in Arizona just north of Chino Valley off Hwy 89? If so what type of plant and when will it be done?
Anonymous



All this talk of building a plant out at Castle Hayne..... Dont you know that theres already a plant there? Been there from years ago, it closed down in the 1980's. Its not like theres a piece of land out there with just tress on it waiting to be dug up, also, that quarry that Titan wants to use, is still being mined by Martin Meratta today. Its funny to see that people are in an uproar over something thats already there and being used (even if its by a different comapny). Sounds like the Titan Americas people want to open the existing plant back up, NOT build one from scratch and use new land. That would also bring up the question of the other business's along that road too.... I dont hear anyone complaining about MM blasting in the quarry or are area right up the road form it, taking rock, etc. out of it. So whats different about Titan taking it over? Jason J. Leland, NC
Jason



I thought it was extremely unprofessional of Titan America to back out of the community forum scheduled for June 30 at UNCW. This illustrates a profound lack of consideration for those who planned to attend.
Anonymous



Eighty five acres of open land off Blue Clay Road (near Holly Road) is presently going through the re zoning process to move from low density residential use to light industrial use (Z 886). A move from low density residential to industrial use is a drastic zoning change and is highly unusual. This land is also located in our Aquifer Protection zone and possible industrial uses may injure our existing ground water resources. Does Titan Cement, through it's subsidiary Separation Technologies, plan to use this land or immediately adjacent land for a fly ash processing and storage area?
Anonymous



Thanks for your question regarding property re-zoning near Blue Clay Road. Titan does not own nor has any involvement with this real estate.
CCC



To Drew M. - thanks for clarifying your question about hurricanes and flooding. There will be no toxins or hazardous materials stored on site at the plant. In a worst case flooding situation, rock would get washed away, most likely back into the quarry where it came from. Also, the plant itself will be constructed to hurricane code, withstanding 130 mph winds (the same code as our Pennsuco plant).
CCC



Thanks for your question regarding a new location in Arizona just north of Chino Valley. This is not Titan's project.
CCC



will titan buy the cement terminal next to roanoke
john todd



Please reply to Mr. Pinksy's comment about the circumstances surrounding Titan's decision to pull out of the forum that was supposed to be held at UNCW on June 30. Surely the company was not honestly concerned about "security." Why was the company reluctant to address citizens' concerns about the proposed plant? Thank you.
Anonymous



My apologies for misspelling Mr. Pinsky's name in the previous comment.
Anonymous



Mr. Todd, thanks for your question about a terminal near Roanoke. We're a little confused by the question - I am not aware of aterminal near by our Roanoke plant. Please elaborate and I'll do my best to answer.
CCC



the cement terminal is beside the praposed site for the new cement plant in castle hayne
john todd



the terminal in question is fully operatinal and used to be part of the the old cement plant
john todd



Has a contractor for construction of the facility been selected at this time? If not, when will this process be complete?
Steve



The terminal John Todd is referring to is Cemex's terminal.
Anonymous



Thanks for clearing up the terminal question. We are not associated with Cemex.
CCC



Ilistened to your presentation on the radio this morning and I have one comment and one question. You had a representative from your Roanoke plant which is not located near the coast nor along a major river and does not mine critical wetlands. Why did you not have a representative from your plant in Florida on the discussion? I missed the date of your first public meeting. Can you let me know the date, location and times of each meeting. Thank you.
karen



I am concerned about mercury emissions from Titan America's Castle Hayne plant. Your air permit application lists 260 lbs of mercury/year as your legal limit. This seems excessive given that your Roanoke Plant emits 7 pounds/year and your Pennsuco Plant emits 90 pounds /year. Even given the differences in amounts of cement produced yearly this seems very high. What is the mercury concentration of the local limestone you will be mining? Thank you, AC
AC



Dear AC, Rest assured, we understand that residents have valid concerns and we share your concern for mercury emissions. It is never our intent to cause harm. We are currently evaluating the health effects of our emissions in order to be responsive to citizens’ concerns. This process requires special expertise and it will take time to fully understand and disseminate the results. We will share the results when the reports are available. Also, please note that the 260 lbs per year of mercury represents a potential to emit which is a calculation required in the air permitting process taking the maximum legal emission limit and applying it to the process running at full capacity, 24 hour hours a day, 7 days a week. This is not a realistic scenario, and therefore, it is reasonable to expect the actual mercury emissions will be less. Thanks for your question, AC. We promise to share our data as it becomes available. CCC
CCC



Good question, Karen! Roanoke Cement is nestled within a community setting, with farms, schools and homes near the plant. We thought it more closely resembled the setting for our new plant in Castle Hayne, so we invited RCC's plant manager to join the interview. We're active, involved member of the Roanoke community; we work together with our neighbors who consistently give us great reports. Please know we're also very proud of our Pennsuco plant, located in Medley, Fla. Pennsuco's state-of-the-art plant is the largest cement producer in Florida and among the most environmentally friendly in the world. If you have specific questions about Pennsuco, we will be pleased to answer them for you. CCC has planned three informational workshops to take place in the upcoming weeks at which we'll address topics such as environment, jobs, economic benefits and community involvement. Please plan to join us! Workshop dates and locations include: Tuesday, Sep. 16, 4 - 8 p.m. North Branch, Cape Fear Community College Castle Hayne Tuesday, Oct. 7, 4 - 8 p.m. Schwartz Center, Cape Fear Community College Downtown Wilmington Monday, Oct. 27, 4 - 8 p.m. UNCW Executive Development Center Wilmington Thanks for your interest.
CCC



when are you looking to hire at the castle hayne plant
paul b



Hi Paul. You're welcome to stop by our recruitment office and fill in an application. Our office is at 4312 Henson Drive.
CCC



After researching your company on the internet, we are blessed that you have chosen our area to settle in. I understand you also have many ready mix concrete plants in the area and are very good stewards of the environment as well as committed to the highest of safety standards! Many areas cannot boast such an opportunity as your company is committing to. I live in Jacksonville, north of this location but am very much involved in the construction industry. This can only further help stimulate our economy up and down the coastal region. Onslow County embraces your efforts and hopes others will as well! God Bless Brother Bruce
Bruce



Please respond to my specific question: What is the mercury concentration of the local limestone you will be mining? Clicking on the column to the left "Why Castle Hayne?" you state that the "local limestone is chemically well suited for making cement." It is clear that the mercury analysis on the local limestone has already been completed and is available to you at this time. In addition, when I contacted North Carolina Air Quality, I was told that the 260 lbs mercury/year in your air quality permit application was calculated by Titan and was calculated knowing the amount of mercury coming into the plant from the local limestone source. Titan has said that they will be open and clear with the general public at all stages of this process. This is a clear and repectful question that should be specifically answered at this time. Thank you, AC
AC



You state that all cement kiln dust will be recycled back into the kiln. According to US EPA and PCA the most effective way to removal mercury from the process is to remove cement kiln dust at a predetermined time between raw mill on and raw mill off. How will the plant handle this dust? Additional, as EPA is discussing solid waste vs. alternative fuels definitions how does the facility plan on handling different fuels. We all live in the real world and in the future the facility will want ot reduce it's cost of coal by supplementing fuels with other engineered fuels so why is the company not addressing this now?
Future Earth



On the About titan America page it states that the facility in Florida produces 1.8M tons but the permit limit according to FDEP is 2.19M tons why the discrepany?
Earth Future



Thanks for your question, A.C. The reference to chemically well-suited limestone has to do with the primary cement constituents: calcium, aluminum, silica and iron in the raw materials, and the lack of deleterious constituents, such as magnesium. The potential to emit (PTE) in our air permit is not based on the mercury content of our raw materials. It is based on the current federal regulatory emission limit of 41 micrograms per dry standard cubic meter times the maximum production rate if the plant were running 24 hours a day 365 days per year. Of course, running the plant at this rate is unrealistic but it is how the PTE is required to be calculated. We are currently working with the NC Division of Air Quality on the permit application and will address such issues as the mercury emissions determinations and permit limits. We ask for your patience as the state regulatory agencies do their job.
CCC



Please respond. At other Titan cement plants around the U.S., what is the minimum zone/buffer between the facility and the nearest (public) school?
Anonymous



Thanks for your question regarding buffer space. Because our regulated emissions are deemed safe for all people, including children, there is no need for buffer space. Our emissions are less than the National Ambient Air Quality Standards and the NC Air Toxics Standards. Please note: these health-based standards are conservative and have large factors of safety calculated into them. Therefore, the exposure to such emission levels will not present a health risk to the public. There are two schools situated near our Roanoke Cement Plant, one is approximately 4 miles and the other is approximately 5 miles from the plant.
CCC



Thanks, Future Earth, for the excellent question regarding kiln dust and alternate fuels. You may be interested to know that as a mercury reduction measure, the cement industry is looking into using kiln dust in ready-mix concrete or other products that would permanently bind the mercury. Regarding alternate fuels, Titan keeps track of all recent developments and scientific advances with alternative fuels. We will implement all proven technologies to improve our environmental and operational performances. Since CCC won't start operating for a few years, it is not possible to identify specific sources of alternate fuels yet. Also, it's important to note that any fuel changes would require amendments to the permit and would include public notification and an opportunity for public comment.
CCC



What is your timrline for thid project? When do you expect permitting to be resolved? When do you plan to select your process vendor and when do you plan to select the engineer and construction managers? I see that you anticipate 2011 or 2012 for commercial operation. Is this correct?
gary



I would like to apply for employment with carolinas cement . Please supply and address I can send my resume to . Thank you, Linda
Linda Rosado



Greetings, Earth Future! We are permitted to produce up to 2.19 M tons at our Pennsuco plant as a maximum limit. At this time, we simply choose not to produce that much cement.
CCC



Hi Linda! Stop by our recruitment office and fill in an application. Or, if you prefer, mail your resume. We're at 4312 Hensen Drive, Wilmington, N.C. 28405. You may wish to call ahead: 910-799-2840.
CCC



Hi Gary! We are currently in the process of doing our due diligence for obtaining permits. We expect the plant to start operating in 2011-2012.
CCC



Hell Titan I am curious about all the types of fuel you plan to use in the kilns. I understand cement kilns offer lots of flexibility in the types of material burned, which could be good for the manufacturer but perhaps not so good for the environment. What types of polution control devices would be on the tail-end (precipitators, scrubbers, etc)? I saw something stating "best available technology", which sounds great. I believe coal-fired power plants could reduce emissions significantly with best available technology, but it's very expensive so many have not embraced it. Finally, regarding the wetlands you need to disturb for construction and mining, are there plans to procure and/or restore wetlands in the nearby area so there is "no net loss"?
John Brinker



Good question, Mr. Brinker. We referred it to our Corporate Engineering Department for a comprehensive response: The current “best available control technology” based on proven technology and acceptance by the EPA that would apply to this facility are discussed below. A BACT analysis was included in our air permit application, and will be evaluated by the state and EPA as part of the permitting process. For particulate matter (PM) for stack sources the BACT is a filter fabric bag house that is at least 99.9% efficient. For sulfur oxides (SOx) the BACT is the inherent self-scrubbing of passing exhaust gasses through the raw materials where lime removes the SO2. Also as maybe needed, a dry lime injection system will be added for greater SOx removal. For nitrogen oxides (NOx) the BACT includes several technologies such as indirect firing of fuels, low-NOx burners, and staged combustion to reduce the formation of NOx in the system, and a selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) system to reduce NOx. For carbon monoxide (CO) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) the BACT is good combustion practices (GCP) to assure complete combustion of fuels and any organics that may be in the raw materials. It should be noted that the air permit will require continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS) for each of the above emissions to ensure that permit limitations are being met. Regarding your question on the wetlands, our policy is always to avoid, minimize, mitigate.
CCC



how many will you employee
Anonymous



I am very much concerned about the amount of rail traffic your operation will create. I live in Castle Estates, right along the track, and am concerned about the disruption to our quality of life with increased rail traffic. Hearing a train whistle at 0300 is not very conducive to good operation stewardship. How much train traffic should we anticipate and at what hours can we expect to be awakened by the train whistle? Ken
Ken Wagoner



Would titan cement cancel their plans to build a cement plant here if there was evidence that the plant would have negative effects on our health and /or environment?
kemp



I will re-ask my question: Why did Titan representatives pull out from the forum at UNCW, and why did they also cancel their plans to attend the panel discussion on Wave Radio? It is interesting that this question still has yet to be addressed on this blog, even after another blogger asked CCC to also address my question. Why did Titan back out, and when will Titan discuss the proposed plant, in public, with representatives opposing the plant? I find it interesting that people are asking about employment opportunities at the plant, considering it is not scheduled to go online until 2012.
David Pinsky



I understand you do not have the values for the mercury concentration in the local limestone you will be mining from Castle Hayne because you have not yet completed the necessary measurements and calculations prior to cement production. When you complete these calculations will you please communicate this information to the general public. What is the mercury concentration in the local limestone at your Roanoke and Pennsuco plants which have been at full operation for a number of years? Thank you
AC



Dear AC - Regarding your question about limestone - this response comes from the good folks in our Corporate Engineering Department. We are still working to finalize chemical analyses on the materials to be used for the proposed Castle Hayne cement plant. Preliminary investigations indicate average mercury content in our limestone deposits of about 11 ppb (parts per billion). The mercury content in our Pennsuco limestone deposit is averaging 8.3 ppb (actual data from the last two years of operation). We do not measure Mercury in our Roanoke limestone deposit because past measurements indicated very low Mercury emissions and it is not required by our air permit. Thanks for your question!
Kate McClain



Mr. Pinsky - Thanks for resubmitting your e-mail. Because your question was of interest to the entire community we posted a response on the home page of our site where it resided for a couple of weeks; sorry you missed it but I'm happy to respond to it again. Let me emphasize: Our decision to decline participation in the StarNews forum does not mean we're unwilling to respond to questions. We believe the organizers of the forum had the best intentions when they invited us; as plans progressed it became apparent the event was turning into something other than an honest, open information exchange. Local citizens deserve to have their questions answered accurately and without distraction. As a result, we have organized the three public workshops described on the home page of this website. They are designed to provide accurate, factual information to the greatest number of people directly from our experts. We also speak regularly with groups and organizations throughout New Hanover County and neighboring communities - we've done so since the project was announced. Regarding our participation on WAAV 980 AM radio - two of our Titan experts participated on this show and answered dozens of questions submitted by WAAV's listeners. We found it interesting and informative. Lastly, your comment about individuals requesting employment information does not seem at all unusual to me. Unemployment is a major concern for many people right now - the state of the US economy is quite grim. The prospect of a robust business, generous economic benefits and many good jobs coming to the local economy is important to many people. Mr. Pinsky - please let me know if you still have questions. Blog again here or contact me personally at kmcclain@titanamerica.com. I sincerely appreciate your interest.
Kate McClain, CCC



I was very impressed with your Workshop that you held this past Tuesday evening! I am very excited about your Company moving to our area! I think that the way you have handled the Opposition groups is very professional, and proves what kind of intergrity Titan has. Looking forward to spreading the word, and going to the next workshop. On behalf of myself and my family, I would like to say Welcome To Wilmington!
Anonymous



Dear Kemp, I choose to begin the response to the question about abandoning the project with a bit of company background. Carolinas Cement is a part of the Titan Group which has a long, distinguished history of doing the right thing. As a Titan employee I can assure you that as part of our culture, we refer to our set of values every day, in our personal lives as well as in our business dealings. Our first value is safety; our second value is integrity. In short, ours is a trustworthy company. If that's not enough, there are multiple state and federal government agencies keeping close tabs on us. We are under constant scrutiny as these agencies manage a meticulous and stringent permitting process that exists to ensure Carolinas Cement will not be a threat to public health or the environment. As you may know, we need to obtain several permits before we can even begin construction, including an air permit from the state and a wetlands permit from the federal government. This process is underway and should be allowed to progress in the normal fashion. We are committed to presenting the facts throughout every step of the process.
Kate McClain



Thank you for responding to the question regarding proximity of (public) schools (although you only specified the Roanoke site, and excluded the Pennsuco Plant). You indicated that there are 2 schools located near the Roanoke plant, approximately 4 and 5 miles (respectively) from the site. Would you please specify the schools to which you refer? Greenfield Elementary is located approximately 5 miles from the cement plant, and Troutville Elementary is reported as 12 miles from the site.
Anonymous



Recently the EPA requested information from major cement kilns to determine if self reporting of mercury emissions using the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) system was a valid indicator for reporting mercury emissions. Several well known and respected companies were found to inadvertently be underestimating their mercury emissions using TRI reporting, in some cases by thousands of pounds annually. Titan America's Roanoke and Pennsuco plants were not included in this EPA study. Titan America's annual mercury releases are reported using the TRI system that has been shown in some cases to significantly under report mercury emissions. Two specific questions: 1. Why was Titan America not included in the EPA mercury input study? 2. To verify the accuracy of your TRI reporting at your presently producing plants, would Titan America supply similar mercury input data for independent verification at this time? Thank You, AC
AC



Dear Ms. McClain: What is Titan's response to opposition by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission to the siting of the proposed plant in such an environmentally sensitive area? Also consider the opposition to the plant by some important NC politicians and candidates for office. Isn't this a pretty good indication that Titan should not seek to build a cement plant in such a fragile wetland ecosystem?>
Interested NHC resident



Hello, again, AC! This response comes from our Corporate Engineering Department. Titan was not included in that information request because the EPA only requested data from the manufacturers with a large number of kilns in the US. They usually will ask the top 10 to 12 producers (national total production). At Pennsuco the mercury amount reported for TRI is actually based on raw material input data which is exactly what we report to the State based on our current permit requirements. All tests are performed by a third party independent laboratory. At Roanoke Cement, the mercury amount reported for TRI is based on actual stack emissions measurements performed as part of our permit compliance requirements. We do not analyze our raw materials for mercury input since our Roanoke Plant has an alkali by-pass system that makes the operation more complex than the system at Pennsuco. We would like to invite you to visit our Roanoke facility. We can explain the details of this operation and why mercury input from the raw materials cannot correlate directly to stack emissions. Thanks for your question. >
Kate McClain



Hello! Regarding schools near our Roanoke plant - Greenfield Elementary and Lord Boutetourt High School are both approximately five miles away - Troutville Elementary is a bit further, nearly 12 miles away. Our Pennsuco plant is located in a far more densely populated area than Roanoke or Castle Hayne. There are more than 100 schools (K through 12) seven miles or closer in the City of Medley and the nearby communities of Hialeah, Miami Springs and Doral.>
Kate McClain



Greetings, Interested NHC Resident! As you're probably aware, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service submitted a document to the Corps of Engineers that stated that select areas within Carolinas Cements' 1,888 acre site were unmitigatable. These letters were submitted as a normal part of the EIS process, not as a protest. The area in question refers only to the property bordering the Northeast Cape Fear River and Island Creek - it makes up only about 12 percent of the proposed site. We'll proceed with our due diligence and allow these studies to be thoroughly conducted. >
Kate McClain



How have you remained so patient with the enviromentalists acting so rudely towards something that will benefit our area so positively? i applaude your efforts and hope you will build here in S.E. NC sooner than later!!>
Jim Chisum



Thank you, Mr. Chisum! We're excited about our new plant. Your kinds words are appreciated.>
Kate McClain



What is you mitigation plan for the loss of wetlands. What is your mitigation ratio - i.e. 10 acres mitigated for one destroyed.>
Clem Bribitzer



Thanks for your question, Mr. Bribitzer. Our plans for mitigation are quite simple - avoid, minimize and mitigate. This is a part of the EIS process we'll be undergoing with the Corps for the next several months and it's far too early to know these specifications.>
Kate McClain



An article in the Star News today (January 7, 2009) stated that fly ash is often contaminated with mercury, arsenic, lead, and selenium. One of my friends attended one of your workshops and was told by a senoir engineer that Titan plans on using fly ash that is presently stored at the Sutton Power plant as a raw material to be mixed with limestone in producing your cement in Castle Hayne. What are the concentrations of mercury, arsenic, lead, and selenium in the fly ash you plan to use? Are you presently using any fly ash at your Roanoke and Pennsuco plants and if so what is the concentration of these materials in those sources? Thanks, AC >
Anonymous