Recycling of metals is good for the environment. Unlike paper, metals can be used over and over again. They are perpetually recyclable. Recycling minimizes the need to mine and process virgin ore. Mining activities disturbs mountains, forests, and animal habitats. Recycling metals also reduces carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and creates jobs.
Steel is the most recycled metal. Using steel scrap instead of virgin ore reduces CO2 emissions by 58%. It also reduces water use by 40%, and water pollution by 76%. Recycling one tonne of steel saves 1.4 tonnes of iron ore, 0.8 tonnes of coal, 0.3 tonnes of limestone and additives, and 1.67 tonnes of CO2.
However, steel recycling, or any recycling process for that matter, must be done properly. Otherwise, the benefits will be offset by the negative impact to the people living near the recycling factories and to the plants and wildlife in the area. It might also affect the quality of soil.
This is the concern of residents in the town of San Simon, Pampanga. The smoke emitted by the steel recycling plants were allegedly causing respiratory problems to the residents prompting them to lodge a complaint with the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the DENR. The complainants also said that the roofs of the houses and other structures in their villages were rusting away quite easily.
This is not the first time that the steel mills in San Simon were subject of complaints. Few years ago, EMB Region 3 issued notices of violations and cease and desist orders to some recyclers but they were allowed to resume operations after installing antipollution devices. They were also ordered to install continuous emission monitoring system (CEMS). I know for a fact that power plants are required to install CEMS which are connected to the EMB office so that their emission can be monitored 24 hours a day. I don’t know if this is the same with steel recycling plants in San Simon.
The most visible pollutant emitted by steel recycling plants is particulate matter (PM) or very fine dust. This happens when the factories have no effective system to trap the particulates. Electrostatic precipitators (ESP) are the most widely used devices which are capable of controlling particle emission.
The most dangerous fine particles are PM2.5. They measure two and one half microns or less in width. They can travel deeply into the respiratory tract, reaching the lungs. Exposure to fine particles can cause short-term health effects such as eye, nose, throat and lung irritation, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath. Exposure to fine particles can also affect lung function and worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the United States, particles can be carried over long distances by wind and then settle on ground or water. Depending on their chemical composition, the effects of this settling may include depleting the nutrients in soil damaging sensitive forests and farm crops.
The EPA also said that PM can stain and damage stone and other materials, including culturally important objects such as statues and monuments. This may give possible explanation for the rusted roofs.
The local government of San Simon has already responded to the complaints of residents by coming out with an ordinance to address the matter.