The Ontario government has rejected a plea from Hamilton residents to investigate the emissions from ArcelorMittal Dofasco. In November, Jochen Bezner and another resident lodged a complaint with the Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Parks (MECP). They allege that Canada’s largest steel manufacturer is releasing harmful pollutants exceeding local air-quality regulations and breaching sections of the Environmental Protection Act.
MECP has declined the investigation request, citing an ongoing inquiry that it does not wish to duplicate. The ministry stated that it is currently addressing Dofasco’s emission levels by enforcing compliance in the long term and implementing “risk-abatement actions” in the interim. Additionally, MECP is in the process of establishing an industry standard for Ontario’s iron and steel sectors, which will set emission limits for companies like Dofasco.
Expressing disappointment with MECP’s decision, Bezner, a member of Dofasco’s community liaison committee, emphasized the need for Dofasco to demonstrate its commitment to environmental responsibility and transparency regarding its decarbonization timeline. Ecojustice, an environmental law charity, submitted the investigation request on Bezner’s behalf.
In response to MECP’s ruling, Ecojustice lawyer Ian Miron criticized the province for allowing Dofasco to continue using coal, a highly polluting fossil fuel that affects the region’s air quality. Miron stressed the government’s role in holding polluters like ArcelorMittal Dofasco accountable for reducing harmful emissions and transitioning to decarbonization.
MECP clarified in its decision that it conducts regular air inspections and has collaborated with the steel sector to assess the impact of U.S. tariffs on production. The ministry highlighted that Dofasco has provided an abatement plan to manage hazardous pollutants, with MECP conducting routine air inspections from 2023 to 2025 to ensure compliance.
The inspections have primarily focused on Dofasco’s coal-to-coke operations, identified as a significant source of high-risk contaminants, including carcinogens like benzene and benzo(a)pyrene. MECP also investigates reports of fallout and black soot in nearby neighborhoods. Residents can provide feedback on Dofasco’s emissions through Ontario’s environmental registry, as the company has applied to renew certain permit conditions for air and noise pollution.
Interested parties can submit comments until March 12 via the Environmental Registry of Ontario.