Claymont Steel to crack down on mercury emissions

Claymont Steel was ordered by state officials Monday to end excessive slag dust releases that have been affecting the surrounding community. The order surfaced after Republican lawmakers pressured the attorney general to probe into pollution at Claymont Steel, citing recent findings of higher than reported mercury levels at the mill. The company had reported it released 30 to 40 pounds of mercury per year, rates that relied on federally approved averages instead of actual tests. In reality, last week Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control officials said smokestack tests found that the plant released approximately 500 pounds of mercury annually. The department has received many complaints about emissions over the last year, citing symptoms ranging from eye and throat irritations to property damage. Mercury is a neurotoxin that can potentially affect human development and the nervous system. Along with the order to control slag dust emissions, an order to control the mercury emissions is expected to be issued shortly. Claymont Steel is Delaware's only steel plant and is one of the nation's top 20 sources of metallic mercury. Claymont produces sheet steel from scrap metal.