Ash Grove Cement, Inkom, Idaho – Cement Plant Overview and Regulatory Context

Ash Grove Cement is a cement plant located at 230 Cement Rd, Inkom, Idaho, in Bannock County. The facility is operational and classified under NAICS 327310, indicating it produces cement and clinker. As a cement plant, it is a significant industrial utility in the region, serving construction and infrastructure needs. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which enforces multi-media environmental regulations. This includes the Clean Air Act (CAA) for emissions, the Clean Water Act (CWA) for water discharges, and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) for waste management. Cement plants are subject to specific emission standards for pollutants like particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide. Cement production is energy-intensive and involves high-temperature kilns, resulting in significant CO2 emissions from both fuel combustion and the calcination process. The plant's location in Idaho places it within a region with varied environmental considerations, including air quality management and water resource protection. Its operational status indicates ongoing contribution to local and regional construction material supply.

Cement plants are inherently pollution-intensive, with primary emissions including particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and carbon dioxide. The calcination process releases CO2 from limestone, making cement production a major industrial source of greenhouse gases. Community proximity to such facilities can raise concerns about air quality and health impacts. In Idaho, the plant operates under state and federal air permits that set emission limits and require monitoring.