Summary: Cement kilns burn huge amounts of fuel to break down raw materials, such as limestone, in the process of making cement. Although coal and other fossil fuels have been used extensively in the past, cement kilns are increasingly turning toward other lower cost fuels, such as hazardous waste. In February 1995, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determined that dust from cement kilns burning hazardous waste as well as those from kilns that do not burn hazardous waste warranted greater federal control to protect human health and the environment. EPA noted that as of 1990, cement kilns generated 3.6 million metric tons of dust that was placed in waste piles, quarries, or landfills, most of which were unlined and uncovered. This report discusses (1) what priorities EPA set in making its decision on cement kiln dust; (2) whether EPA is authorized to modify hazardous waste management requirements in regulating cement kiln dust; (3) whether EPA believes that dust from cement kilns burning hazardous waste should be regulated the same as dust from those not burning hazardous waste; and (4) whether interim steps can be taken to control cement kiln dust, in light of the risks that EPA believes that this dust poses.
