While Algoma Steel is going through the process of applying for new air and noise pollution permits for its Electric Arc Furnace project, two local grass roots environmental organizations are encouraging members of the public to express their opinions on those subjects.
The years-long transition from integrated steel making to the new Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) requires Algoma Steel to apply for new site-specific standards for noise and air pollution from the provincial government. With that comes an Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) process through the province's Environmental Registry.
This approval applies to the transition period between the launch of the first EAF until the second is operational and the blast furnace and coke ovens are shut down. The full transition is expected to occur by about the year 2029.
Local environmental groups Clean North and Stackwatch SSM are urging residents to express their concerns about the transition to EAF by commenting on the proposal. The comment period closes on Nov. 4.
"Some issues you may wish to comment on: Have you noticed any air or noise pollution from the facility? How has it impacted you and your family?" said a news release by the groups.
Peter McLarty, vice-chair of Clean North, told SooToday the groups are looking forward to the change in technology at the steel plant, but they want to ensure the company is in compliance while it makes the transition.
"We're not against what's happening at Algoma Steel, we're in favour of what's happening," McLarty said.
He said once the comment period on the new standards is closed, the public will no longer have an opportunity to have their voices heard on environmental and noise concerns through the ECA process.
McLarty said the process is being done in the reverse of how it should be done, because the public comments are being accepted before the specifics of the ECA are presented to the public.
The steelmaker is applying for exemptions from the Ministry of the Environment in respect to air emissions for two substances, benzene and benzo(a)pyrene.
The groups say in the release that both of those substances are implicated in cancer, lung diseases and many other illnesses and Algoma Steel is seeking exceptions above the provincial standards for their use.