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Reducing Emissions While Increasing Production

Algoma Steel Community Update On Environmental Control Measures - June 18, 2008

Algoma Steel Inc. announced today that they have successfully installed a second portable baghouse on No. 7 Blast Furnace. The baghouse was commissioned on the stub stack on Friday, June 13 and is operating well. 

Additional interim control measures for No. 7 include a third portable baghouse, which is scheduled for installation by Friday, June 27. Meanwhile, construction on the permanent baghouse for No. 7 Blast Furnace is underway, and on track for commissioning in December 2008, two years ahead of schedule.

A host of additional particulate emission control measures are currently underway. In an effort to reduce dust from the coal piles, Algoma has begun the application of surfactants on the coal piles and dust suppressants on the surrounding roadways. These efforts, combined with extensive berm construction and tree planting initiatives along the riverfront will serve to reduce coal pile fugitive dust emissions by nearly 50 per cent. 

In parallel, the road dust reduction program has been ramped up, with the roadway sweeping and flushing schedule extended to seven days a week. As an additional dust reduction measure, preparations are in motion for the paving of a number of onsite roadways, shoulders and parking areas. 

Armando Plastino, Chief Operating Officer, commented on the ongoing environmental control  measures at Algoma Steel: "We continue to make great strides in reducing air emissions as we  increase production here at Algoma. We are very encouraged by our progress and the milestones we continue to achieve," he said.

"The use of portable baghouse technology on No. 7 Blast Furnace has proven successful and we look forward to providing future updates on the commissioning of the third and fourth baghouses," added Plastino. 

In addition to Algoma's ongoing commitment to reducing emissions while increasing production, Algoma has commenced an aesthetic revival of the Company's grounds. As part of an overall greening initiative, landscaping and tree planting are in progress.


Open House

Algoma Steel is committed to ensuring that the start-up of a second blast furnace (No.6) does not lead to an increase in particulate air emissions from the company's operations - in fact there will be a net reduction once all interim and permanent control measures are in place.

On May 27th and 28th, 2008 Algoma Steel hosted Community Open Houses to share information and answer questions about the planned expansion and emission control initiatives.  Algoma Steel's Environmental Health & Safety personnel were on hand to provide detailed information about:

• The recent and successful installation of a portable baghouse on No. 7 Blast Furnace
• Current, ongoing and planned air emissions control measures
• Pending applications to the Ministry of the Environment
• Baghouse technologies (portable and permanent) and emission control measures for current and future operations

Algoma Steel has submitted applications to the provincial Ministry of the Environment for the start up of No. Blast Furnace (including the interim use of a portable baghouse) and for the installation of a permanent baghouse on said furnace.  By investing nearly $70 million in emission controls, Algoma Steel is ensuring the collective impact of all planned mitigating measures will result in a significant reduction in particulate emissions.  See the attached graph for more details:  Reducing Emissions While Increasing Production

In the event you were unable to attend one of the Open House events we invite you to click on the links below to view the Open House exhibits.

Current Air Emission Controls
Application #1
Application #2
Baghouse Technology
Environmental Investments
Particulate Emission Reduction Strategy

Watch this page for regular updates on our efforts to reduce emissions. 

At Algoma we take our environmental responsibilities very seriously.  We will continue to conduct our business and operations in compliance with all applicable environmental legislation through pollution prevention practices.


Last Published: June 18, 2008



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