Manager tells of efforts to curb emissions, protect environment

The March 8 Suburban article titled "Residents Fear Health Effects of Black Dust" failed to report Gerdau Ameristeel's side of the story and our ongoing efforts to proactively reduce emissions in the community and protect the Earth's vital resources.

We cannot know the origin or composition of the reported dust until an evaluation has been conducted. Gerdau Ameristeel is continuing to work cooperatively with the Sayreville Environmental Commission and its neighbors to resolve this issue.

We are part of this community and take our role as a neighbor to heart. That's why Gerdau Ameristeel Sayreville has begun proactively implementing enhanced environmental controls to reduce dust emissions. These efforts include additional material handling dust controls, a significant reduction in the amount of materials stored outside, increased use of water sprays and sweeping, on-site speed controls, and tree- and shrub-planting initiatives.

The Gerdau Ameristeel Sayreville mill is strictly regulated with emission limits set for a number of parameters including dust. These limits are developed to ensure protection of human health and the environment by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as well as the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). These agencies work to set the standards that Gerdau Ameristeel Sayreville must meet to ensure community well-being. We take these regulations seriously.

We are proud to be a part of the Sayreville community and a major employer for more than 30 years. We continue to look for ways to improve our operations to help the community.

Mark Quiring

general manager

Gerdau Ameristeel

Sayreville