Air

Reducing Emissions While Increasing Production

By the end of 2009, we are targeting a 25% net reduction in air emissions from our steelworks, surpassing our orignal commitment of 16% from June 2008 to December 2008.  This represents a reduction in the total suspended particulates for the entire site.

Reducing Road Dust

Of note, in 2000, the leading source of particulate from the steelworks was road dust.  In an effort to curb this source, in 2002 we introduced a road dust reduction program designed to reduce airborne particulates from roadways by implementing a rigorous paving schedule combined with the use of dust suppressants.  As of the end of 2008, over 200,000 m² of roadway were paved within the steelworks - 60,000 m² in 2008 alone.   With ongoing maintenance and the use of approved dust suppressants on non-paved roadways, it is estimated that particulate release from roadways has been reduced by nearly 97% because of this initiative. A regular street cleaning program helps to sustain the sizeable benefits achieved through the paving program.

In addition, as part of a site wide aesthetic revival, targeted landscaping of open areas through the planting of trees, grass and flower gardens has helped to reduce the amount of air-born dust stirred up by prevailing winds and material movement.

Investing in Additional Emission Controls

To address point source emissions, the next leading source of onsite particulate, Essar Steel Algoma has introduced baghouse technologies on both No. 6 and No.7 blast furnaces.  These, in addition to existing emission control systems at our steelmaking and cokemaking facilities, are extremely effective in capturing particulate matter.  In 2009, the Company also plans to invest in additional emission control systems for the Ladle Metallurgy Furnace, a system upgrade for the steel shop hot metal transfer area, a Lime Plant baghouse upgrade, and a de-kishing trial with portable baghouses. 

Targeting Fugitive Emissions

There are numerous other targeted initiatives currently underway to address particulate emissions including an aggressive coal dust management program which will reduce fugitive emissions by nearly 50% through the application of specialized dust suppressants.

Measuring and Monitoring

ESSAR Steel Algoma has an extensive system of monitoring stations operated in accordance with Ministry of Environment guidelines.  A third party operates the stations which are strategically located off-site, and reports all emissions readings to the Ministry on an ongoing basis.  Real time air quality readings are available to the public by clicking here.