Universal Cement LLC - Cement Plant in Chicago, Illinois

Universal Cement LLC is a cement plant located in Chicago, Illinois, within Cook County. The facility is operational and classified under NAICS code 327310, which covers cement manufacturing. As a cement plant, it is part of a sector known for high energy consumption and significant raw material processing. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Water Act (CWA), and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Cement plants in the US are subject to National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) and New Source Performance Standards (NSPS). The plant's location in an urban area like Chicago implies compliance with local air quality management plans. Cement production involves calcination of limestone, which releases carbon dioxide, and combustion of fuels for kiln operations. The plant's environmental significance includes potential emissions of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide. Its proximity to Chicago's population centers underscores the importance of emission controls and community engagement.

The cement sector is inherently pollution-intensive, with primary emissions including carbon dioxide from calcination, as well as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide from fuel combustion. The facility's location in Chicago, a densely populated urban area, increases community proximity concerns. Regulatory oversight under the US EPA's Clean Air Act requires adherence to emission limits and monitoring. The plant's operations may also impact local water resources through process water discharge, regulated under the Clean Water Act.