EPA Recognizes Nucor Jewett for Environmental Stewardship
09/21/2011 - The EPA recognizes Nucor Steel’s Jewett, Texas, facility for its achievements in reducing mercury and lead as part of its participation in the EPA’s National Partnership for Environmental Priorities.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized Nucor Steel’s Jewett, Texas, facility for its achievements in reducing mercury and lead as part of its participation in the EPA’s National Partnership for Environmental Priorities (NPEP).
Nucor was one of 52 organizations recognized for their environmental stewardship during a Sustainable Materials Management recognition ceremony at Richland Community College in Garland, Texas. In addition to environmental accomplishments achieved as part of the NPEP, the event also celebrated achievements accomplished through EPA’s WasteWise Program, School Chemical Cleanout Campaign (SC3) and Pollution Prevention programs.
In partnering with the EPA, the organizations have pledged to go beyond day-to-day regulatory compliance requirements as demonstrated by a commitment to protect public health and the environment.
“By preventing pollution and hazardous waste from entering our air, water, land, and ecosystems, EPA's partners in sustainability have become leaders in environmental stewardship,” said EPA Regional Administrator Al Armendariz. “As we move forward in sustainable materials management, their dedication and results will be a model for our future programs to follow.”
Nucor Steel’s Jewett facility became an NPEP partner in August 2009, committing to reduce mercury at their facility by 47 pounds and lead in their raw materials by 197 pounds. By July 2010, the plant exceeded both of its goals by achieving 181 pounds of mercury and 997 pounds of lead reduction.
The NPEP is a partnership focused on reducing the use of potentially hazardous chemicals from products and processes. By forming partnerships with the EPA, NPEP partners — which represent industry, business, municipalities, federal facilities and tribes — are successfully reducing the use and/or recycling of toxic chemicals, including mercury and lead.
