THE ASSEMBLY
STATE OF NEW YORK
ALBANY

August 1, 2001

Mr. Samuel O.J. Spivy
Fox Point
Kinderhook, NY 12106

Dear Jock:

As a follow-up to your recent inquiry about the use of coal as the primary fuel in Swiss cement plants, I asked my staff to research the issue. The Swiss agency for environment forests and landscape was contacted, and we learned the following:

- Approximately 3.7 million metric tons per year of cement are sold in that country

- Although a number was not available for the total amount  of cement produced in the country, existing plants range in from producing 180,000 to 650,000 metric tons per year.

- On average, the breakdown of fuel used to produce cement including clinker - the interim step in the process) in all plants in that country is roughly:

- 49% Coal
- 14% Oil
- 0.2% Natural Gas
- The balance is a combination of waste, used tires and some biomass

The Swiss official indicated that there seemed to be no pressure from either the left or right for any new pollution control equipment as the technology currently being used on coal fired plants is working well in that country. However, when we asked him if a new, coal fire [sic], 2 million metric ton per year plant could be sited, he thought from a practical standpoint the answer would be no because it would be difficult to meet canton (e.g. state) local air pollution thresholds especially in terms of Nox. In addition, there is little in the way of land or rail access to build a plant of this size.

I hope this information is helpful.

Sincerely,


John J. Faso
Minority Leader