Cement, often confused with concrete, is the stuff that holds concrete - and much of our built world - together. Unfortunately, a cement plant like the huge one proposed for Castle Hayne exacts considerable environmental costs. So how should the state go about assessing the risks?
All at once, say environmental groups, who are pressing for a comprehensive review of the coal-burning plant's effects on air, land and water.
Not necessary, says the state, which has pledged to back the project with public money (New Hanover County has offered considerably more). According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, a full review isn't mandated unless public money is spent on a project. And Titan America's plant won't get its incentive money until after it's built. Therefore, DENR says, reviews and permits can be done or issued one at a time.
