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Advisory panels gets ALCOA plant update Aluminum price hike could lead to possibility of re-opening The annual report on emissions and the periodic update on aluminum production were discussed when the Community Advisory Panel to Alcoa (Rockdale Operations)—CAPARO— met in Taylor in October. Data from calendar year 2008 were added to graphs CAPARO uses to track trends in emissions, based on data the Rockdale facility reports to state and federal regulatory agencies each year. The shutdown of Alcoa Power Plant Units 1, 2, and 3 at the end of 2006 resulted in major reductions in emissions in 2007. Curtailment of aluminum production in 2008 caused further declines, though pot lines were in operation for most of that calendar year. Total releases reported on the Toxics Release Inventory dropped from 2.3 million pounds in 2006 to 1.2 million pounds in 2007 to 675 thousand pounds in 2008. Releases to landfill on the plant site declined from 1.2 million pounds in 2006 to approximately 3 thousand pounds in 2007 and 2008 without the ash from the closed power plant units. Most air emissions come from the smelting process rather than from the atomizer. In 2009, only the atomizer was operated, so emissions in next fall’s report will be markedly lower than in 2008. The plant status report showed that the remaining employees are working safely. There has been one reportable environmental incident year to date, a spill from a barrel in storage. Economically, the price of aluminum has risen somewhat from the $1,300 a metric tonne rate that led to the curtailment of production. If it reaches $2,400-2,500 a metric tonne, restarting the smelting process may be considered. The facility is being maintained and permits are in place so Rockdale Operations is ready to start up if the world market improves sufficiently for them to make a profit. Visitors are welcome to hear the next Alcoa update on Jan. 11 from 6 - 8:30 p.m. at a location to be determined. To obtain details, contact CAPARO facilitator Diane Sheridan at (800) 484-9212 x 4127 or DBSheridan@aol.com. Cameron area residents are also welcome to contact CAP member Jim Camp at 254/697-8455.
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