Opponents turn to court to derail NC cement plant

WILMINGTON — Environmental groups have gone to court to force a controversial cement plant near the North Carolina coast into a full review of potential pollution before it receives state operating permits.

Multiple media reports said Thursday that opposition groups asked a Wake County court in Raleigh to review a state agency’s decision on the proposed Titan American plant. The agency said the project near Wilmington doesn’t require a full review until public money is spent.

Titan is set to receive $4.5 million in county and state economic incentives.

Opponents said a state decision to issue air and water permits without an overall look at the plant’s environmental impact violates state environmental law.

Company officials say the plant creates 160 full-time jobs.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)