SKOKIE, Ill. – The Portland Cement Association (PCA) and Cement Americas magazine acknowledged the Ash Grove Cement Company cement plant in Midlothian, Texas, as part of the 2009 Cement Industry Energy & Environmental Awards, honoring sustainable manufacturing practices.

The plant was a finalist in the Award’s Innovation category that recognizes cement industry leaders in the development and application of innovation technologies and techniques relevant to environmental protection or energy efficiency.

The Midlothian facility found an innovative way to reduce its nitrogen oxide emissions through the installation of selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) technology.  After a 2007 trial on one of its three kilns revealed obvious and instantaneous results, all three kilns were equipped with the technology in 2008

 “Minimizing the environment impact of its plants and making their local communities better places are top priorities for cement manufacturers,” said Brian McCarthy, PCA president and CEO.  “Ash Grove’s Midlothian plant is at the fore-front of manufacturing technology and illustrates the cement industry’s commitment to produce a superior product while continuously challenging policies and procedures”

The Cement Industry Energy & Environmental Awards honor individual cement facilities that exemplify the spirit of continuous environmental improvement and support this spirit with action.  These plants go beyond government regulations and local laws to ensure that their processes contributed to making their communities better places to live and work.  Five categories are recognized:  Outreach, Environmental Performance, Land Stewardship, Innovation, and Energy Efficiency.  Additionally a special honor is presented to plants demonstrating excellence in multiple categories.

The awards program was created in 2000 by the Portland Cement Association as part of its renewed environment and energy strategic plan for the U.S. cement industry. PCA and Cement Americas magazine presented the first Cement Industry Environmental Awards in 2002 to the winners for 2001. The awards honor activities conducted during the previous calendar year, and the program is open to any cement manufacturing plant in North America.  Judges for the 2009 awards represent independent groups such as Cement Americas magazine, the Cement Association of Canada, the U.S. Geological Survey, National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Cement Sector Program, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR Program.

About PCA
Based in Skokie, Ill., the Portland Cement Association represents cement companies in the United States and Canada. It conducts market development, engineering, research, education, and public affairs programs. More information on PCA programs is available at www.cement.org.