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1. Canadian ExperienceIron and Steel Sector Prepared for the CEC North American Strategy for Catalyzing Cooperation on Dioxins, Furans and HCB
Source Control Workshop
April 17-18, 2008
Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico
3. Overview of the Canadian Sector Ilmenite smelter – no known sources of dioxins, furans and HCB
Produces steel using the basic oxygen process from iron obtained as by-product of TiO2 production from ilmenite
One sinter plant at one integrated steel mill
Formerly processed steel mill residuals; currently not operating
Direct reduced ironmaking facility uses electric arc furnace to produce steel from direct reduced iron (DRI) pellets
Treated along with electric arc furnaces serving non-integrated mills
One integrated mill also runs a very large electric arc furnace (also treated along with EAFs at non-integrated mills)
Focus of Canadian efforts now is on the 10 facilities using electric arc furnaces for steelmaking
Facility EAF capacities range between 290-1,633 kilotonnes steel per annum; overall EAF subsector capacity utilization ~90%
In 2006 and 2007, EAF steel production was ~6.4 megatonnes or 41% of sector total
4. Canadian Approach An important provision of all CWSs was a commitment to develop pollution prevention strategies, consistent with the principles outlined in the CCME Canada-wide Environmental Standards Sub-agreement, that is:
Pollution prevention is the preferred approach to environmental protection. Governments will place emphasis on a pollution prevention approach when implementing standards under this sub-agreement.
Intent:
Identify opportunities to minimize emissions of air pollutants from priority source sectors
Provide framework for continuous improvement toward the goal of virtual elimination of dioxins and furans
Provide options for consideration by jurisdictions in developing/amending implementation plans
Consider in any future CCME activity relating to the priority sectors addressed by the CWSs, e.g., consider for incorporation in guidelines or other guidance documents which may be revised or developed regarding these sectorsAn important provision of all CWSs was a commitment to develop pollution prevention strategies, consistent with the principles outlined in the CCME Canada-wide Environmental Standards Sub-agreement, that is:
Pollution prevention is the preferred approach to environmental protection. Governments will place emphasis on a pollution prevention approach when implementing standards under this sub-agreement.
Intent:
Identify opportunities to minimize emissions of air pollutants from priority source sectors
Provide framework for continuous improvement toward the goal of virtual elimination of dioxins and furans
Provide options for consideration by jurisdictions in developing/amending implementation plans
Consider in any future CCME activity relating to the priority sectors addressed by the CWSs, e.g., consider for incorporation in guidelines or other guidance documents which may be revised or developed regarding these sectors
5. Scope of Pollution Prevention Strategies Steel Manufacturing Electric Arc Furnaces
Best Environmental Practices considered include:
Opportunities for improved control and release reductions of particulate matter;
Combustion chemistry of the EAF process;
Feasibility of applying existing/emerging pollution prevention/control techniques (e.g., catalytic oxidation, containment of fugitive emissions, best management practices for operations and maintenance, etc.);
Reduction of mercury sources and emissions through the Mercury CWS development process;
Cross-media transfers and management of pollutants;
Emissions of greenhouse gases;
Resource utilization; and
Energy efficiency
6. Implementation Progress to Date Steel Manufacturing Electric Arc Furnaces (EAFs)
Currently 10 EAFs operating in Canada
Test results available for 6 as shown below
7. Canadian Steel Manufacturing Electric Arc Furnace Dioxin and Furan Emissions (1999-2006)
8. Steel EAF D/F Trend: 2000 to 2006
9. Effectiveness/ Lessons Learned Implementation of the CWS for D/F from steel EAFs has been effective
Reductions in annual emissions have been observed (~74% since 2000)
Implementation has lead to:
Better characterization of releases
Improved emission controls
Lessons learned
Specific emission limit value with implementation timeline, together with monitoring and reporting requirements are a useful combination of measures
10. For more information Ken Smith
Head, Steel and Organic By-product Unit
Mining and Processing, Environment Canada
Tel: (819) 956-9510
Email: Ken.Smith@ec.gc.ca