Delaware Agency Calls for Mercury Reduction at Mill

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control is calling for Claymont Steel, a steel minimill located in Claymont, Del., to take steps to sharply reduce the mercury emissions generated at the site. The call for the reduction follows stack tests taken at the site earlier this year that showed mercury emissions far exceeding levels from the previous year.

John Hughes, the DNREC secretary, said that the most recent tests showed mercury levels of 300 pounds, far greater than the 40 pounds from the previous year. Hughes says that an order will be signed within the next several days, although he notes that the state is looking for a corrective approach, rather than a punitive approach.

Hughes notes that the jump in mercury emissions likely is coming from the commingling of mercury auto switches that are being shipped to the steel mill with the loads of ferrous scrap the mill is taking in.

The two steps the company can take, Hughes continues, is to either install equipment at the mill that will reduce the emissions, or change the supply side to ensure that the scrap recyclers who are shipping the mill its raw material are not shipping the mercury.

DNREC also is investigating to determine if the factory violated environmental laws, Hughes said. Past company reports on mercury levels were based on formulas, instead of direct testing.

In a local press report, Hughes said, "The orders I have crafted and am crafting are corrective, not punitive," Hughes said. "I want the problem solved. I recognize that CitiSteel is a major recycler and source of American steel. They reduce dependency on foreign steel. They have to do it cleanly enough to meet our standards."