CSN shows city councilors how it is combating “black dust”

Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional (CSN) detailed to Volta Redonda city councilors the measures it has adopted to reduce emissions of so-called “black dust” in the city, as well as the new actions it is taking and will take to further mitigate these emissions. The presentation was made this morning at the Hotel Bela Vista by sustainability director Helena Guerra.

Also participating in the meeting were Alexandre Lyra, executive director of CSN Siderurgia, and Luiz Paulo Barreto, institutional and legal director, in addition to the four operational directors of the Usina Presidente Vargas and managers from the areas whose topics were addressed at the meeting. Fifteen of the 21 council members were present (almost all of those who were unable to attend explained that they were out of Volta Redonda).

In addition to the set of measures to reduce black dust emissions, Helena also announced the purchase of meters to measure this type of particle, which will be operated by INEA. This is because, until now, air quality measurements in Volta Redonda have always been based on gas emissions and so-called “inhalable particles,” which are harmful to health. Black dust, on the other hand, falls under the classification of “sedimentable particles”:

“That is why many people are surprised when there is a problem with black dust emissions and the measuring device on the street indicates that the air quality is good or moderate. This is because, in this case, black dust is not included, as it does not fall under the category of inhalable particles, which are harmful to health. The new meters will measure these emissions.”

According to Helena, the black dust does not cause health problems, but it does cause problems that bother residents: “It does not affect health, but it causes dirt, discomfort, and of course we do not want that. For this reason, we are taking all measures to combat it, including the renovation of sintering filters and the construction of new filters.”

Slag

The director showed the councilors that independent studies demonstrate that the so-called slag piles in the Brasilândia neighborhood are safe: there is no risk of them falling into the Paraíba River, “contrary to what popular legend suggests.”

“We have equipment called inclinometers installed directly on site. None of the piles have moved even an inch over the years. Not to mention that the pile closest to the Paraíba River is as solid as a rock”.

In any case, Helena stated that CSN has fulfilled its commitment to remove more slag than it adds to the site. In this balance, in 2023 alone, there was a reduction of more than half a million tons in the Brasilândia slag yard, the director pointed out.

The director’s presentation lasted over an hour, and she also presented the investment plans for the environment and modernization projects for the Presidente Vargas Plant. In addition to the billions of reais that will be invested, Helena highlighted the creation of around 5,000 jobs in the region over the next two years.