Environmental Investments
Environmental Investments
Two of the most recent environmental improvements have been made at our North American facilities.
VOC Reduction at Visalia, California
The BlueScope Building North America facility emitted Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) as a result of its frame painting process. A permanent total enclosure was installed to capture the VOCs during the drying process. A fluidised carbon bed system linked with a direct fired thermal oxidiser was selected as the most cost effective pollution control technology.
The new technology was a great success and the Edison Electric Company granted the facility a rebate for installing one of the most energy efficient emission control technologies of its kind in California.
Reduced Iron Content in Discharge Water
Steelscape’s Kalama facility is a roll coating business that includes Pickling and Cold Rolling processes. The facility’s waste water treatment plant discharges water into the Columbia River. The discharge permit has iron limits which are five to ten times lower than the incoming potable water. Meeting these limits in winter and spring when iron concentration in potable water is at the highest levels have required production interruptions.
In December 2009, Steelscape undertook a US$300,000 project to reduce the iron concentrations in the discharge. A new clarifier and sand filter reduced the iron in the discharge by approximately 50%. Reduced chemical requirements also reduced costs and improved the environmental impact.
| LOCATION | MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL INVESTMENTS SINCE 2002* | COST |
|---|---|---|
| Port Kembla | Sinter machine emissions reduction project to reduce gas and dust emissions resulting in cleaner air. | $94 million |
| Gypsum plant reduction and conversion of SO2 emissions for use in the cement industry. | $9 million | |
| Water recycling program at Port Kembla plant, in partnership with Sydney Water, saving up to 20 megalitres of drinking water per day. | Approx $350,00 | |
| Cokemaking project to reduce organic emissions. | $2 million | |
| Wind blown dust control in recycling area revegetation. | $3 million | |
| Port Kembla 33kV electrical distribution system protection project. | $23.4 million | |
| Western Port | Optimisation of Paint Line No2 (CPL2) ovens to reduce natural gas consumption and greenhouse emissions. | $150,000 |
| Water recycling program to reduce fresh water consumption by over 60%, co-funded by BlueScope Steel, the Victorian government and South East Water. | $21 million shared cost | |
| New Zealand Steel | Waikato North Head ironsands attritioner to reduce clay slimes disposed to landfill. | $3.3 million |
| Dust minimisation projects, including sealing of roads and storage areas, resulting in reduced dust and improved water discharge quality. | $5 million | |
| New baghouse in Hollow Sections Galvanising Pipe Plant to reduce air emissions. | $1.5 million | |
| North Star BlueScope Steel | New baghouse installed, improving air quality within the plant. | US$43.5 million |
| Energy efficiency project to improve furnace efficiency and minimise power usage. | US$9 million | |
| Steelscape | New clarifier and sand filter reduces iron discharge by about 50% and chemical use. | US$300,000 |
| Visalia, California | Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) capture and oxidation to reduce air emissions. | US$750,000 |
* Projects committed, underway or completed.
