Fines and prosecutions

BlueScope Steel notified relevant authorities of 78 statutory non-compliances with environmental regulations during the reporting period.

The Company received two fines during the reporting period.  A US$4,000 fine was imposed for operating without prior permit validation of emissions (HAP) capture equipment.  A RM2,000 (A$718) fine was received when storage or material (dross) did not comply with Environmental Quality (Scheduled Wastes) Regulations 2005.  A suspended fine (US$1,000), subject to no further breaches over the next two years, was also received for not submitting the appropriate permit documentation within the time limits.

There were three significant environmental incidents recorded during the reporting period.  All three relate to waste water treatment plant discharge exceeding regulatory limits.  The three incidents have been thoroughly investigated with mitigating control strategies employed.

The Western Port plant at Hastings, Victoria, finalised its third (2006-2011) Environmental Improvement Plan with the Victorian Environment Protection Authority.

The Port Kembla Steelworks and the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change signed an agreement for a fifth Pollution Reduction Program, for the period 2008-2012.