Another foe weighs in against cement plant

The group wants Gov. Bev Perdue to block air permits to Titan America until the State Bureau of Investigation can determine if state laws were followed during an environmental review.

The request says public confidence in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is low following details in the investigation into former Gov. Mike Easley.

The plant would be built on the site where Ideal Cement was located, near Castle Hayne in New Hanover County. That plant shut down in 1982.

Some New Hanover residents and state environmental groups are concerned about the effects the new facility could have on the environment.

Proponents say the plant would bring much-needed jobs to the area, while opponents are concerned over the potential negative impact the facility could have on the Cape Fear River.