The new air pollution control (APC) system at Evraz Claymont Steel was marked with a ceremony hosted by officials on Monday.
On hand to participate in the ribbon cutting were Gov. Jack Markell, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Collin O’Mara and Evraz North America President and CEO Mike Rehwinkel. Commonly referred to as a “baghouse,” the $16.75 million APC system nearly doubles the Evraz Claymont facility’s capacity to collect and filter emissions from the steelmaking process.
“This pollution control system (baghouse) will significantly improve air quality and represents a major commitment by Evraz to invest in Delaware and its future here,” said Markell. “With this critical investment, Evraz will operate more cleanly and efficiently, and continue as a significant contributor to Delaware’s economy, now in a more environmentally sensitive way.”
The commissioning of the baghouse project marks a major milestone in bringing the facility into full compliance with the consent decree between the state and Evraz, according to a state release.
“Since we purchased the Claymont facility in 2008, Evraz has made significant upgrades to our operations,” said Evraz North America President and CEO Rehwinkel. “Those improvements have paid off in the preservation and creation of jobs, and the economic value we add to this community. We want our employees and neighbors to feel proud to be associated with Evraz, and to have confidence in our commitment to continuous improvement and environmental stewardship.”
The News Journal reported the ceremony was marred when Evraz barred a community activist and critic of the company, from the event.
