Hercules Cement Co will pay a $31,394 fine for sulfur dioxide emissions violations and data availability problems at its facility in Stockertown, Northampton County, according to a consent order and agreement announced today by the Department of Environmental Protection. The cement manufacturer’s kilns exceeded the permitted sulfur dioxide hourly average emissions limit of 500 parts per million for 170 hours during the second, third and fourth quarters of 2009. The kilns are equipped with monitoring equipment, which provides continuous emissions data. The fine will be paid to the state’s Clean Air Fund.