Ash Grove started burning hazardous waste to produce fuel for use in the cement production in 1988 and built a new kiln system in 2000. The new kiln system, which allowed cement production to triple, did not bring about any significant change in the usage of hazardous waste fuels.
The renewed permit allows Ash Grove to continue storage of hazardous waste in containers and in tanks and to burn hazardous waste in the cement kiln. The permit also contains technical and regulatory requirements to protect public health and the environment.
KDHE, US EPA have come to an agreement to renew the permit following a public information meeting regarding the facility and draft permit and a public hearing, that were held in Chanute. KDHE and EPA reviewed all spoken and written comments and prepared a responsiveness summary and made minor modifications to the draft permit.
KDHE’s Division of Health, in coordination with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), is reviewing the potential health and medical hazards that might arise as a result of the company continuing to handle the hazardous wastes.
Based on the findings and recommendations of this review, KDHE will provide information to the residents of Chanute and make appropriate recommendations to ensure protection of public health and the environment.
In addition, if required, KDHE and EPA will initiate the regulatory process to make appropriate modifications to the Ash Grove permit.
