Continental Cement - Cement Plant in West Des Moines, Iowa, USA

Continental Cement is a cement plant located at 275 S 11th Street in West Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, United States. The facility is operational and classified under NAICS code 327310 (Cement Manufacturing), indicating its role in producing hydraulic cement for construction and infrastructure projects. As a cement plant in the United States, Continental Cement operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including 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. The facility is also subject to TRI Section 313 reporting for toxic chemical releases. Cement plants typically involve energy-intensive processes such as raw material grinding, clinker production in kilns, and finish milling, with potential emissions of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide. The plant's location in West Des Moines places it within a growing metropolitan area, supporting regional construction demand. Its operational status contributes to the local economy and infrastructure development. The facility's environmental performance is governed by state and federal permits, with oversight from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the EPA.

Cement plants are significant sources of industrial emissions, including carbon dioxide from calcination and fuel combustion, as well as particulate matter and other pollutants. The facility's proximity to West Des Moines, a populated area, necessitates stringent air quality controls to minimize community exposure. Water use for cooling and dust suppression may require permits under the Clean Water Act. The plant's operations are subject to EPA's National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for cement manufacturing, which mandate best available control technologies.