Environment

Our challenge 

While reducing our carbon footprint is one of the biggest global challenges we face, our neighbours and other stakeholders have expectations too. These expectations focus on the impact of our steel operations on our shared natural resources. While our environmental performance has improved, we must ensure that our performance and impact align with the long-term needs and expectations of our stakeholders. We must engage in open conversations about the challenges we face and discuss the best ways to respond to stakeholders. This is how we will better deliver on our purpose of smarter steels for people and planet. 

Our approach 

ArcelorMittal’s environmental objectives are established globally, guided by a Group Environmental Policy with oversight from the board of directors. Some challenges, such as climate change, are global in nature while others are local and require engagement between our local senior leadership and local stakeholders. Either way, open, transparent communications and follow-up is a must. ArcelorMittal also has a local Environment Policy, signed by our President and CEO, which reinforces our site's commitment to safety.

Environmental Management  

Our ISO 14001 certified Environment Management System and ISO 50001 certified Energy Management System play an important role in ensuring the responsible management of the sites environment and energy impact as well as consistent and regular environmental data. These certifications require the monitoring, active management and continuous improvement of environment and energy impacts. 

Our Environment Management System, certified to ISO 14001, includes provisions to ensure compliance with all Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks regulations through our Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) including noise and vibration, emissions to air, spills and leakage, waste, by-product, and production residue management, water usage and biodiversity. Our site is regularly audited by the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks as well as the Government of Canada Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Canada. We also participate in internal compliance audits against various environment procedures, policies and practices.

In addition, for many years ArcelorMittal Dofasco has participated in the Hamilton Air Monitoring Network (HAMN), the Hamilton Industrial Environmental Association and Clean Air Hamilton, which are all local groups that have an interest in the ongoing monitoring and long term improvement of air quality in the area. 

GHG Emissions 

ArcelorMittal Dofasco’s goal is to be net zero by 2050. To achieve this, we have embarked on an extraordinary investment in collaboration with both the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada, to change the way we make steel in Hamilton. We are well on our way to achieving net zero, reducing our carbon emissions by approximately 3 million tonnes by 2028 (60 per cent of our total emissions). Our plans do not end there. We have robust plans and firm targets to achieve net zero by 2050. 

Public Reporting and Disclosure 

We monitor air, water, energy and residue data, reporting the data as required Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change and the City of Hamilton.

These regulatory agencies hold us accountable to monitoring and reporting requirements.

National Pollutant Release Inventory 

We provide an annual report of air, land and water pollutant releases and disposals/transfers for recycling to Environment Canada’s legislated, publicly accessible inventory, NPRI. 

Learn more about ArcelorMittal Dofasco's NPRI filings 

Water Stewardship Plan

ArcelorMittal Dofasco is committed to responsibly managing water resources and collaborates with various community partners to ensure sustainable practices by maintaining a Water Stewardship Plan.  The Plan outlines the company's approach to managing water resources responsibly and sustainably at its integrated steel mill in Hamilton, Ontario.

The facility spans approximately 800 acres and is primarily supplied with bay water from Lake Ontario, used mainly for non-contact cooling in steel production. We also use city water in smaller quantities, which is mostly returned to the city's sanitary sewer system.

Our water-related infrastructure includes piping and distribution systems, conveyance and wastewater treatment systems, a stormwater pond, and storm and sanitary sewers. These systems are essential for managing water intake and discharge, ensuring efficient operations and compliance with environmental regulations.

The Plan addresses several water-related challenges and risks, such as climate change projections, population growth impacts, and water quality concerns. Our vision and goals include improving water use efficiency, enhancing water quality in discharges to Hamilton Harbour, and minimizing adverse impacts on the community and the environment.

We emphasize continual improvement through partner engagement and performance tracking. This includes timelines for improvement projects, reporting, as well as methods for measuring and monitoring water use and efficiency.

Our Environment & Energy Department provides oversight for managing the implementation of these strategies and ensuring we meet our water stewardship goals. If you are interested in learning more about our water quality objectives and plans, please contact us.

Emissions Summary and Dispersion Model 

Each year, we update and verify information on air emissions sources and complete an Emissions Summary and Dispersion Model (ESDM). This approach uses an air emissions model approved by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change to predict the concentration of different parameters at our fence-line and in the community. ArcelorMittal Dofasco’s compliance is assessed using the Model. 

View the ESDM Executive Summary.

ArcelorMittal Dofasco has committed to a transformation of the Hamilton Steelmaking operations that will reduce CO2 emissions by 60% by 2030.  Updates on the status of this work are shared at the quarterly CLC meeting.