In a statement, Ohio EPA director Laurie A. Stevenson said TimkenSteel, Vallourec Star, and Charter Steel, along with the other honorees of the Encouraging Environmental Excellence program, have shown a commitment to ongoing environmental stewardship. 

“Through recycling efforts, waste-reduction processes, renewable energy programs, and sustainability programs, these companies are making a major impact in their communities,” Stevenson said. 

The award is given in four levels of recognition: achievement, silver, gold and platinum. TimkenSteel and Vallourec Star were among the Gold-level recipients. 

TimkenSteel was recognized for its water treatment plant, which uses alternative coagulants that have reduced chemical use by 90%. The plant also captures and recycles 2 million pounds of iron annually from its water treatment systems. 

Vallourec Star was recognized for reducing energy usage for its electric arc furnace, purchasing 86% of power from “zero carbon-emitting sources,” recycling 45,000 gallons of wastewater annually and reducing water consumption by approximately 160 gallons per ton of product.

Charter Steel’s processing and distribution facility in Fostoria, Ohio, received the silver-level award for reducing its use of shipping plywood and reducing solid waste generation; reusing shipping supplies; and for a facility-wide energy efficiency program that includes the use of LED lighting.