Province should deny Dofasco more time to fix pollution, environmentalists say

ArcelorMittalDofasco's requestfor a year-long extension to upgrade its coke-making facilitiesis just the steelmaker's latest attempt to drag out the processwhile their plants continue to spew pollution, say Hamilton environmentalists.

Residentsliving in the shadow of the steelmakerhave already been calling on the companyto restore its aging equipment for at least a decade, saidJochen Bezner.Now they're done waiting.

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"It's unfair that the community has to carry the burden of not implementing these changes earlier," said Bezner, amember of theCoalition Against Pollution (CAP)."We are the ones that have to breathe the air."

Bezneralso represents the Crown Point neighbourhood on ArcelorMittal Dofasco'scommunity liaison committee, which is meeting Thursday night. He said he and other CAP members plan to speak out against the request for more time.

They're probably hoping the new premier, the new government will be far more susceptible to this type of manipulation.- Sam Merulla, Ward 4 councillor

The coke plant restoration is a key part of the company's plans to lower toxic emissions. The $87-million project includes facility upgrades and shutting down oneof its plants.

A deadline of Dec. 31, 2018 was outlined in an order from the Ministry ofEnvironment, Conservation and Parks. But in a statement sent toCBCNews,John Lundrigan, Dofasco'sgeneral manager of environment, said the company hasencountered additional fixes that will require more time.

Still, "weare pleased with overall improvements at our coke-making facilities," he wrote."We continue to be focused on continuous improvement, while sharing our achievements and challenges with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks and our community liaison committee."

'Prolonging the inevitable'

Ward 4 councillor Sam Merulla said he sees the request from the steelmakeras part of an ongoingstrategy to continue "prolonging the inevitable."

He believes Ontario's newly elected leader, Doug Ford, might be just the break the company was waiting for.

"They're probably hoping the new premier, the new government will be far more susceptible to this type of manipulation of a protracted period of extensions," he said.

• Dofasco seeking an extension to 5-year plan for emission upgrades

Meanwhile, the councillorsaid, the city, its residents and the environment continue to suffer the consequences.

"Frankly I think it's irresponsible to even request this extension," he said. "It would be even more irresponsible if it's granted."

Delay should lead to punishment

Bezner echoed Merulla's comments about the delays. He said he's concernedabout seemingly "constant" malfunctions that send clouds of carcinogens and pollutants floating over his neighbourhood.

His community has had enough, he said. It'scalled on the ministry to deny Dofasco's request, or at least show them the delay will carryconsequences.

"The current timing should be kept, and if the company cannot keep it, I think there needs to be some sort of punishment."

Residents will be given an opportunity to air their concerns with provincial officials during the community meeting, which is at 1330 Burlington St. E. at 6:30 p.m.