Lehigh Cement Company’s Union Bridge Plant is aiming to reduce its environmental impact in the area of consumption as well as emissions. Rather than being content to implement technology that will remove a higher percentage of pollutants from the emitted air, the Union Bridge plant is also looking at alternative fuels – engineered fuel in particular. At one point the plant tried burning old tires and even cocoa bean shells, however neither proved to be sufficiently successful to warrant being continued.
However, biosolids and processed or dried sludge currently constitute a small percentage of the fuel used in the plant. According to the plant manager, both biosolids and sludge have proven to be very efficient and environmentally friendly. With this experience behind them, Union Bridge is looking to follow the example set by many European cement plants and begin using fuel engineered from waste products. At this point, Lehigh Cement has fully developed their specifications for the engineered fuel and the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) has issued a 6-month trial permit. The problem is the lack of abundance of the engineered fuel to begin the trial!
Although Lehigh Cement Company’s intentions seem good, nearby community members are suspicious. However, during the trial, emissions will be carefully monitored to check for mercury, carbon monoxide, and other emissions that may result from this waste-based fuel. At the end of the trial period, Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) will examine the collected data and determine whether to grant or deny Lehigh Cement a permit to use engineered fuel. In the mean time, Lehigh Cement Company, Union Bridge wishes to be open about the change and invites anyone to visit the plant to discuss concerns and learn more about this initiative.