Features

Hanson Permanente Cement

In Brief: The information on this page is presented in conjunction with Earthjustice's new comprehensive report on mercury pollution from cement kilns.

Location: Cupertino, CA

Reported 2006 Emissions (in lbs.): 494

Mercury Input for 2006 (in lbs.): Data Pending

Community activists in Cupertino have fought attempts to expand this Hanson kiln. Citizens say mercury-laden fish in the nearby Stevens Creek Reservoir are just one of the negative impacts of the kiln. Another concern is the ever-growing quarry operated by Hanson, which has left a spreading scar in the landscape of Cupertino. Now, Hanson is trying to open a new quarry even closer to town. The San Francisco Bay is also polluted with mercury, and people are warned to limit the number of fish they eat.

We want to hear from you!

Do you live near this facility? We want to hear from you about this cement kiln. Please use the form below to share your experience and comments. Please note that all submissions are moderated and will not appear on this website until a moderator has approved them. The name you provide will appear next to your comment.

Submitted by Oak Valley mother at: September 1, 2008

I've lived in Cupertino for 12 years and wasn't really aware of its existence until I moved to within sight of the Hanson plant 7 years ago. I suspect the extent and impacts of its operations are really only known to those who go out of their way to find out although the recent SF Chronicle article and a rise in community activism following Hanson's proposed expansion plan will hopefully increase awareness and local opposition. I suspect many folks would rather protect their home's values than risk adverse publicity about the local air quality..or otherwise put their heads in the sand. There are mornings when my car is covered with a fine layer of white dust that's not easily removed. All signs suggest that the various public agencies (Santa Clara County, EPA, BAAQMD) have been at least lax in their oversight, and it's frustrating that the City of Cupertino, on the grounds that the plant is on unincorporated land, is not acting to protect the public health of city residents.

Submitted by Mother of Twins at: August 1, 2008

I live near by the facility. Now that I am going to deliver twin girls in 2 weeks, I am really concerned about the mercury level in the air in Cupertino, especially after I read the article at: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/07/23/BA4511U0D7.DTL&tsp=1. Where can I find this data? I called the City of Cupertino and they referred me to Bay Area Air Quality Management District. However, I couldn't get through the district either through the 415-771-6000 nor the email route. I'd really like to find out whether there are data collected on the health impact to the people of Cupertino by this cement kiln... Please Help!