CEMEX DE PUERTO RICO, INC. Cement Plant in Ponce, Puerto Rico

CEMEX DE PUERTO RICO, INC. operates a cement plant located at PR-123 KM 8.0 in Ponce, Puerto Rico. The facility is operational and classified under NAICS codes 327310 (Cement Manufacturing) and 327410 (Lime Manufacturing), indicating a focus on cement and lime production. As part of the global CEMEX group, the plant serves the construction industry in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean region. The plant operates under U.S. environmental regulations, including the Clean Air Act (CAA) for emissions control, the Clean Water Act (CWA) for wastewater discharge, and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) for hazardous waste management. It is also subject to TRI Section 313 reporting for toxic chemical releases. Typical cement plant processes involve raw material grinding, kiln operations, and clinker cooling, with potential emissions of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide. Cement plants are significant for local infrastructure development, providing essential materials for construction. The Ponce facility contributes to the regional economy and supply chain. Environmental considerations include proximity to communities and potential impacts on air quality, which are managed through permits and compliance with EPA standards.

Puerto Rico's tropical climate and dense population near industrial zones can amplify the environmental impact of cement plants. The facility's location in Ponce, a coastal city, raises considerations for air emissions and stormwater runoff. Cement production is energy-intensive and generates CO2, particulate matter, and other pollutants. Regulatory oversight by the EPA and Puerto Rico's environmental agency ensures monitoring of emissions and waste management to mitigate local environmental effects.