Carmeuse Lime fined for air violations in Chicago

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says a lime manufacturer will pay a $350,000 fine to resolve air pollution violations at a Chicago plant.

The consent decree announced on Wednesday also requires Pittsburgh-based Carmeuse Lime to spend $125,000 to replace windows in homes near the plant. The energy-efficient windows will be installed on homes of low-income residents whose children are at risk of lead exposure from older painted windows.

Federal and city environmental officials conducted an investigation at the facility after residents complained about excessive dust. They found that poor maintenance at the facility was to blame.

Carmeuse also must upgrade and replace the plant’s equipment and improve maintenance and housekeeping to reduce the amount of dust released.

A spokesman said the company didn’t have a comment on the settlement.