On this page we try to keep the public up to date on "news-worthy" information.
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March 30 update
This site has been operating for four years to:
We encourage the public to continue to follow us (STACKWATCHSSM) on FACEBOOK!
You can also email us at [email protected]
This site has been operating for four years to:
- encourages citizens to speak out about local air-quality and water-quality concerns: 329 complaints were registered in 2024
- encourages the MECP to enforce existing environmental regulations: NO charges for air quality violations have been laid for the past FOUR years; two CHARGES WERE LAID FOR SPILLS TO WATER IN 2022!
- encourages the MECP to build and operate a robust and independent air-quality monitoring system: ONE new station was built on Cathcart Street, the Wallace Terrace station was move to Bonney Street, and the Patrick Street station was moved to Fourth Avenue
We encourage the public to continue to follow us (STACKWATCHSSM) on FACEBOOK!
You can also email us at [email protected]
February 7 2025 Algoma Steel has completely revamped its webpage: Home - Algoma Steel
"Building better lives and a greener future."
Once the new EAF is up and running (in 2029 ?)...and the #7 blast furnace and all of the 180 coke ovens are dismantled... we will have a much cleaner/healthier environment.
In the meantime we (the public) will have to stay vigilant and ensure that the process of "continuos improvement" is maintained.
"Building better lives and a greener future."
Once the new EAF is up and running (in 2029 ?)...and the #7 blast furnace and all of the 180 coke ovens are dismantled... we will have a much cleaner/healthier environment.
In the meantime we (the public) will have to stay vigilant and ensure that the process of "continuos improvement" is maintained.
October 25
HAVE YOUR SAY!!!
Algoma Steel has applied for a new ECA (a licence to operate the new Electric Arc Furnaces).
The details of the ECA will spell out the terms/conditions of operations for the next 5 years and are enforcible by the MOE/MECP!
Follow this link https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-9084 to make your voice heard...deadline is November 4 .
Here is a link to a power-point presentation to help you comment:
https://cela.ca/.../Algoma-Steel-Powerpoint-Presentation.
Stay tuned in: ASI has also applied for a new Site Specific Standard (SSS) which will be posted on the ERO very soon!
HAVE YOUR SAY!!!
Algoma Steel has applied for a new ECA (a licence to operate the new Electric Arc Furnaces).
The details of the ECA will spell out the terms/conditions of operations for the next 5 years and are enforcible by the MOE/MECP!
Follow this link https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-9084 to make your voice heard...deadline is November 4 .
Here is a link to a power-point presentation to help you comment:
https://cela.ca/.../Algoma-Steel-Powerpoint-Presentation.
Stay tuned in: ASI has also applied for a new Site Specific Standard (SSS) which will be posted on the ERO very soon!
July 19, 2024
"Algoma Steel looks for buyers for its electric arc furnace dust" (sootoday.com)
The dust contains heavy-metal oxides including lead, zinc, cadmium, manganese and chromium.
In North America, 70 per cent of the U.S. steel is produced with EAF furnaces and those furnaces have been producing EAF dust for several decades now. Much of that dust is shipped to Mexico supposedly for recycling.
One little-known fact about making steel using this type of furnace is it can produce dioxins and furans (as well as other pollutants). Dioxins and furans are highly toxic—even low-level exposure over time can harm human health, as these compounds accumulate in body fat. They've been linked to:
"Algoma Steel looks for buyers for its electric arc furnace dust" (sootoday.com)
The dust contains heavy-metal oxides including lead, zinc, cadmium, manganese and chromium.
In North America, 70 per cent of the U.S. steel is produced with EAF furnaces and those furnaces have been producing EAF dust for several decades now. Much of that dust is shipped to Mexico supposedly for recycling.
One little-known fact about making steel using this type of furnace is it can produce dioxins and furans (as well as other pollutants). Dioxins and furans are highly toxic—even low-level exposure over time can harm human health, as these compounds accumulate in body fat. They've been linked to:
- Cancer: Strongly linked to certain cancers.
- Hormonal Disruption: Interferes with endocrine functions, affecting growth and development.
- Immune System Damage: Weakens immune response, making the body more vulnerable to infections.
- Reproductive and Developmental Issues: Affects fetal development and can reduce fertility.
- Liver and Skin Damage: Causes chloracne, liver toxicity, and other skin disorders.
May 20 2024
Why Algoma Steel was slapped with two new sets of ministry charges
(www.sootoday.com/local-news/why-algoma-steel-was-slapped-with-two-sets-of-ministry-charges-8769500)
Why Algoma Steel was slapped with two new sets of ministry charges
(www.sootoday.com/local-news/why-algoma-steel-was-slapped-with-two-sets-of-ministry-charges-8769500)
May 2024 ASI released its First Quarter AAQM reports showing several "excursions" of health related criteria! including sulfur. benzene and benzo(a)pyrene
June 13 2024
There is a very significant news announcement today:
"There’s a new safety sheriff at Algoma Steel" (There’s a new safety sheriff at Algoma Steel - Sault Ste. Marie News (sootoday.com)
ASI has a new executive member: Erin Oliver has been appointed Vice president – health and safety.
There is a very significant news announcement today:
"There’s a new safety sheriff at Algoma Steel" (There’s a new safety sheriff at Algoma Steel - Sault Ste. Marie News (sootoday.com)
ASI has a new executive member: Erin Oliver has been appointed Vice president – health and safety.
May 17. 2024
Algoma Steel charged in connection with June 2023 death of contract worker
Sault news: Algoma Steel charged in connection with June 2023 death of contract worker | CTV News
Algoma Steel is confronting two charges in connection with a spill that took place in 2022. Algoma Steel facing two charges in connection with 2022 spill - Sault Ste. Marie News (sootoday.com)
Algoma Steel charged in connection with June 2023 death of contract worker
Sault news: Algoma Steel charged in connection with June 2023 death of contract worker | CTV News
Algoma Steel is confronting two charges in connection with a spill that took place in 2022. Algoma Steel facing two charges in connection with 2022 spill - Sault Ste. Marie News (sootoday.com)
March 17 2024 So what actually did happen on January 20, 2024??? Here is what was presented at the March 5 meeting of the CLC
PowerPoint Presentation (algoma.com) The minutes of that meeting have yet to be posted.
PowerPoint Presentation (algoma.com) The minutes of that meeting have yet to be posted.
February 7 2024 The company reports that that repairs have been made and that production should resume within a week!
Algoma | Your Partner in Steel. Since 1901.
While the blast furnaces were placed on limited production, there were 122 "upsets" in which " ovens charged to atmosphere"
Process upset table for posting on internet (algoma.com)...probably because the bi-products could not be sent to the bi-products plant.
Algoma | Your Partner in Steel. Since 1901.
While the blast furnaces were placed on limited production, there were 122 "upsets" in which " ovens charged to atmosphere"
Process upset table for posting on internet (algoma.com)...probably because the bi-products could not be sent to the bi-products plant.
January 24, 2024 There was a major "upset" in the operations at ASI around 3:30 am. on Saturday January 20. Follow this link to get the press releases:News & Media | Algoma Steel Inc.
There is extensive coverage on sootoday.com UPDATE: One quarter of Algoma Steel workers face temporary layoff - Sault Ste. Marie News (sootoday.com)
There is extensive coverage on sootoday.com UPDATE: One quarter of Algoma Steel workers face temporary layoff - Sault Ste. Marie News (sootoday.com)
November 19 In case you missed the media release, here is the latest financial update from ASI INC
Q1 FY2024 Earnings Call Presentation (algoma.com) There are some significant decreases from last year.
Q1 FY2024 Earnings Call Presentation (algoma.com) There are some significant decreases from last year.
November 6 "EAF transition" seems to dominate the news coming from ASI. But what is EAF steel-making? This link to Britannica gives an good description of the difference between "BOF steel", which currently produced locally and "EAF steel".
Steel - Electric Arc, Alloy, Refining | Britannica ...and a whole lot more about steel production. Many "mini-mills" already use the EAF process.
Steel - Electric Arc, Alloy, Refining | Britannica ...and a whole lot more about steel production. Many "mini-mills" already use the EAF process.
.Oct 4, 2023 3:48 PM posted on sootoday
"BREAKING: Algoma Steel pleads guilty to 2019 cyanide spill during power outage"
Algoma Steel was fined $150,000 Wednesday for allowing biproducts from steel operations to enter the St. Marys River in October, 2019. BREAKING: Algoma Steel pleads guilty to 2019 cyanide spill during power outage - Sault Ste. Marie News (sootoday.com)
"BREAKING: Algoma Steel pleads guilty to 2019 cyanide spill during power outage"
Algoma Steel was fined $150,000 Wednesday for allowing biproducts from steel operations to enter the St. Marys River in October, 2019. BREAKING: Algoma Steel pleads guilty to 2019 cyanide spill during power outage - Sault Ste. Marie News (sootoday.com)
September 27 Sootoday posted this new article Algoma Steel moves to reduce its mountains of slag - Sault Ste. Marie News (sootoday.com)
For other ASI corporate news follow this link: News & Media | Algoma Steel Inc.
For other ASI corporate news follow this link: News & Media | Algoma Steel Inc.
Here are a few excerpts from Sootoday:
"Blast furnace slag is a waste byproduct of steelmaking. It contains silicon dioxide, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, aluminum oxide and sulfur, and Algoma Steel's safety data sheet cautions that repeated exposure by dust inhalation may cause cancer."
"Inhalation may cause serious respiratory irritation or lung damage," the company also warns its employees.
"Repeated inhalation may increase symptoms in individuals with pre-existing chronic lung disease."
Also read the public comments at the end of the article.
August 10, 2023 ASI releases quarterly financial statements
Algoma Steel Group Reports Fiscal 2024 First Quarter Financial Results | Algoma Steel Inc.
BAD NEWS:
In comments made by CEO Michael on sootoday.com... " We are uniquely positioned to simultaneously deliver strong financial results from our existing portfolio while advancing towards EAF commissioning, expected at the end of 2024,”
In other words, the proposed shutdown of the #7 coke-ovens will be at least 6 months later than originally planned!
Algoma Steel Group Reports Fiscal 2024 First Quarter Financial Results | Algoma Steel Inc.
BAD NEWS:
In comments made by CEO Michael on sootoday.com... " We are uniquely positioned to simultaneously deliver strong financial results from our existing portfolio while advancing towards EAF commissioning, expected at the end of 2024,”
In other words, the proposed shutdown of the #7 coke-ovens will be at least 6 months later than originally planned!
July 18
ASI recently updated is its air-quality reporting page Algoma Web (drdas.cloud).
You can now see the air quality reports for the past seven days by "clicking-on" the particular parameter in the right-hand column,
ASI recently updated is its air-quality reporting page Algoma Web (drdas.cloud).
You can now see the air quality reports for the past seven days by "clicking-on" the particular parameter in the right-hand column,
June 21 ASI reports Q1 2023 Financials Algoma | Your Partner in Steel. Since 1901.
High lights:
High lights:
- revenues down 28%
- net income down 90%
- net loss for the quarter $20.4 million
- new EAF project to cost "$125 million to $175 million" more than original estimate
- start up of new EAF to be delayed until "calendar year-end 2024"
EMAIL: [email protected]
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