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Source: Express India

Sault Ste. Marie (Canada), October 2: Essar Steel is pumping in USD 160 million (nearly Rs 740 crore) into its Canadian operations to ramp up production to 3.6 million tonnes per annum to feed demand in North America, set up a captive power plant and clean up the environment.

… The company would spend USD 160 million to further increase production by 1 MT in the 12 months to March 31, 2009.

A chunk of the investment would go towards setting up a co-generation power plant that would cut the steel plant’s energy requirements by half. The captive power plant would use waste fuel from the steel plant to produce electricity and is expected to be commissioned by January next year.

Essar Steel Algoma also hopes to achieve greater synergies once its sister concern Essar Steel Minnesota, an integrated plant with its own iron ore reserves in the US, starts feeding it with the key raw material.

The Algoma plant currently sources ore from Cleveland Cliffs and coal from Massey in West Virginia in the US. The company last month announced an USD 1.6 billion investment in its Minnesota operations, where it would be setting up a 2.5 MTPA steel plant.

Read more etails about N.A. steel market, Essar Algoma’s local environmental efforts and planned Sault operations at Express India >>

Source: LCA

Cleveland - A malfunction of the Poe Lock at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, on September 24 has illustrated the pressing need for Congress to appropriate the funds to build another lock capable of handling the largest U.S.-Flag Great Lakes freighters.

Although the vessel delays totaled only about three hours, had the problem been more severe, cargo movement on the Lakes would have slowed to a trickle. U.S.-Flag Lakers whose length and/or beam restrict them to the Poe Lock represent 70 percent of U.S.-Flag carrying capacity.

“The Poe Lock that connects Lake Superior to the lower Great Lakes is the single point of failure that can cripple Great Lakes shipping,” said James H.I. Weakley, President of Lake Carriers’ Association. “In 2007, the Poe Lock handled nearly 65 million tons of cargo. Without that lock, America’s steel industry is cut off from its major source of iron ore. Without that lock, Great Lakes basin utilities are denied access to clean-burning low-sulfur coal. There just aren’t enough ships that are small enough to transit the MacArthur Lock to make up for loss of Poe-class vessels.” Read the rest of this entry »

Source: Sault Star

Engineers are monitoring the Poe Lock after a gate malfunction closed the largest of the Soo Locks on Wednesday.

“It wasn’t mitring properly so we stopped traffic for a while [Wednesday morning],” said Klein.

“We’re still monitoring it,” he said.

Read the full story at the Sault Star >>

Source: Duluth News Tribune

Commercial shipping between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes was on hold for a few hours today after a malfunction of the Poe Lock in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.

The 1,200-foot-long lock’s gate malfunctioned at 9 a.m., and crews were called in to investigate with an underwater camera. Three ships were delayed while the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers worked to determine the cause of the malfunction.

Repairs were made by early afternoon, allowing normal vessel traffic to resume.

by Carol Martin | Source: SooToday.com

At 9 p.m. on Friday, Essar Steel Algoma Inc.’s recording station on Wallace Terrace was indicating a fine particulate matter reading of 60 micrograms per cubic metre over 24 hours.

That’s 20 percent above the provincial limit.

… The previous day, Thursday, Essar Steel Algoma reported three incidents at its coke-making ovens.

Two of the incidents involved emergency ‘pushing’ of coke ovens for safety reasons and to ensure structural integrity.

No visible emissions occurred from any of the pushed ovens, the company said.

The third incident was a stack emission resulting from charging coke ovens 9 to 14.

This was resolved by cutting heat to the oven walls.

…When Essar took over Algoma Steel just over a year ago, it announced that it intends to significantly ramp up production at the century-old steelmaker over the next few years.

Freeman said the company looked at ways it could reduce emissions across its operations, not just in the blast furnaces, when it applied for a certificate to restart No. 6.

“Our goal is to achieve a net reduction in emissions overall,” Freeman said.

Read the full story at SooToday.com >>

By FRANK DOBROVNIK | Source: The Sault Star

Essar Steel Algoma is a beehive of activity these days as it prepares to nearly double steel-making capacity by the end of next year, including building a new dock-face to accommodate hundreds more vessels.

“It’s very tight. There’s not a lot of capacity left,” said chief operating officer Armando Plastino.

With the No. 6 blast furnace now up and running alongside No. 7, Essar aims to be able to ship out four million tons of finished coil and slab by the end of 2009. That means bringing in that much more raw material.

…Algoma has just under 500 boats coming in and out over a typical shipping season. Plastino expects that to increase to about 700, with little room for snags, he said.

“You’ve got to get all your raw materials here by Dec. 15, and the locks don’t reopen until the end of March. You’ve got to have enough raw materials to last you through the winter.”

Very interesting story, more quotes and specifics, photo at the Sault Star >>

by Carol Martin | Source: SooToday.com

Essar Steel Algoma Inc. has been dredging this month at Saw Mill Point on the upper St. Marys River.

The company is building a new deep water dock at that location because there’s currently insufficient draft at the Essar slip for most lake freighters to carry to capacity.

…”The dredging contractor, Purvis Marine, has acquired new, state-of-the-art dredging equipment that provides for less sediment disturbance and features global positioning system (GPS) devices on the hoist. allowing for very accurate, targeted dredging,” says Stenta.

…They are disposing of the dredged material in an approved landfill located on Essar property.

Essar Steel Algoma asked to dredge 89,000 cubic metres of sediment from its slip on the upper St. Marys River because of dropping water levels, rising shipping and receiving demands and expected production increases, Aasen said.

Read the full story, more about the St. Marys River at SooToday.com >>

Source: WLUC - TV 6

SAULT STE. MARIE — Funds for a new large lock at Sault Ste. Marie may be on their way, according to 1st District Congressman Bart Stupak.

Stupak tells TV6 that Congress has authorized the design of a second lock that would allow passage of large ships.  Currently, large ships can pass through only the Poe lock.

The entire project would cost an estimated $348 million, but Stupak says it would have to start with coffer dams which hold back the water during the construction of the lock.  The money for those dams has been secured at the subcommittee level in the U.S. House.

“We got about $17 million for coffer dams and now it’s going to the House floor,” explained Stupak.  “That number can move, but the point is, the first money to actually start the construction, if you do the coffer dams; the rest of the money will start flowing.”

The entire lock construction project would take about 10 years to complete.

ELAINE DELLA-MATTIA | Source: Daily Commercial News

Essar Algoma Steel’s co-generation plant is running behind production schedule, keeping many of the required tradesmen at the sprawling plant to complete that project.

When completed, the plant will use its own waste to produce energy.

As well, Essar has expanded its maintenance and piping project as part of an internal capital works program.

“Essar’s program of maintenance and its plan to increase its steelmaking capacity has also required extra manpower,” Thomas said. “They’re doing lots of work upgrading and they’ll require a few years of manpower.”

… Trade shortages are being experienced throughout the country, especially with an aging workforce and a declining number of people entering trade professions.

Read the full story, more work opportunities at the Daily Commercial News >>

Source: USCG

The Coast Guard medically evacuated a 19-year-old female from the Brig Niagara at approximately 12:40 p.m. in the St. Mary’s River System today.

A Coast Guard Station Sault Ste. Marie 30-foot response boat was launched to assist the ailing woman because she was suffering symptoms of appendicitis.

The female was taken to awaiting Emergency Medical Services onshore at Coast Guard Station Sault Ste. Marie, and then she was transported to a local hospital.

This was the second medical evacuation case for Station Sault Ste. Marie in two days.

Source: USCG

The Coast Guard medically evacuated a 52-year-old male from the motor vessel Algorail at approximately 8:20 p.m. near Detour Pass today.

A Coast Guard Station Sault Ste. Marie 30-foot small boat was launched to assist the ailing man because he was suffering from chest pains.

The man was taken to awaiting Emergency Medical Services onshore at Detour Pass (near the bottom of St. Mary’s River) and was taken to Detour Village to Sault Ste. Marie War Memorial hospital.

Source: USCG

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Coast Guard and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), today announced the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program compliance date for owners and operators of facilities located within Captain of the Port Zones Buffalo, Duluth, Detroit, Lake Michigan and Sault Ste. Marie will be Oct. 31, 2008.

Additional ports will be announced in the coming weeks, and the Coast Guard will provide at least 90 days notice prior to enforcement. Compliance will be phased in by Captain of the Port Zone between Oct. 15, 2008 and April 15, 2009, after which all ports must be in compliance and all credentialed mariners must be in possession of a TWIC. A framework showing expected future compliance dates by COTP Zone has been posted on the U.S. Coast Guard’s Homeport Website, http://homeport.uscg.mil/twic.

Workers are encouraged to enroll as soon as possible and are able to pre-enroll for TWIC online at www.tsa.gov/twic. Pre-enrolling speeds up the process by allowing workers to provide biographic information and schedule a time to complete the application process in person. This eliminates waiting at enrollment centers and reduces the time it takes to enroll.

TWIC was established in the Maritime Transportation Security Act and the Security and Accountability For Every Port Act to serve as an identification program for all Coast Guard credentialed mariners and personnel requiring unescorted access to secure areas within a port. The program is progressing steadily and has opened more than 130 fixed enrollment centers and dozens of mobile sites nationwide. More than 350,000 workers have enrolled to date and thousands more are processed each week.

Additional information can be found at http://homeport.uscg.mil/twic and www.tsa.gov/twic

BY DAN BELLEROSE | Source: The Sault Star

The name of the outgoing chief executive officer of the largest Canadian-flag ship owner on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence will continue to be prominent on the seaway.

A 730-foot, dry bulk freighter with 32,000-tonnes of cargo carrying capacity was rededicated last week in honour of Sault Ste. Marie native Tim Dool, president and chief executive officer of Algoma Central Corp. for seven years, at his retirement.

… “In the process of leading Algoma Central Corp. to the proud position it holds today, Tim Dool has provided leadership, support and encouragement to all of Algoma’s valued employees,” stated Greg Wight, company president and CEO, in a release.

Under Dool’s tenure, revenue increased 51%, capital assets grew by 23% and net earnings increased 60%.

Read the full story at the Sault Star >>

Source: Ontario Provinicial Police

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON - The Sault Ste. Marie OPP Traffic and Marine Unit will be hosting a Boater’s Awareness Afternoon this Sunday, May 25 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 pm. at the Roberta Bondar Pavilion.

Admission is free for everyone.

Both Canadian and U.S. Marine Law Enforcement agencies will be present along with a host of public marine support service representatives including the Office of Boating Safety from Burlington, Ontario.

Of special note, this will be the first time that the Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Samuel Risley (icebreaker) will be docking at the Roberta Bondar Pavilion and will be having an open house for the public.

OPP encourage the public to come out and have any marine-related questions answered before the start of the 2008 boating season.

Source: Algoma Steel

Algoma Steel Inc. announced today that they have successfully completed a trial commissioning of a portable baghouse on No. 7 Blast Furnace.

The search for this technology commenced in January of this year and after some engineering and construction we have managed to obtain and install a portable unit on No. 7.

These portable units are one of a host of interim measures the company is putting in place to reduce air emissions in preparation for the start up of No. 6 Blast Furnace later this summer.

Armando Plastino, chief operating officer, commented on the technology and its fit within the broader plan: “We are very pleased with the results we’re seeing from the portable baghouse. So much so that we have ordered one more unit for No. 7 and have plans to install at least one unit on No. 6 when we start it up.” Read the rest of this entry »

Source: International Lake Superior Board of Control

The International Lake Superior Board of Control invites you to participate in a public meeting/teleconference on Thursday evening, June 12, 2008.

The purpose of the meeting is to provide information on the operations of the board, current and forecasted water levels, and to receive public input about local concerns related to water levels and flows of Lakes Superior, Michigan and Huron.

You may participate by calling toll-free 1-866-551-3680 between 6:45 and 6:55 p.m. Read the rest of this entry »

Dan Bellerose | Source: Sault Star

Interest was evident Thursday at the first of three information meetings at the USW Hall, as a standing-room audience of about 200 turned out for background on the May 7-8 clinic, the reason for calling the clinic, the process, and the necessary documentation for those expecting to attend.

Union officials started brainstorming when the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) earlier reported that 40 former ASI employees, with approved occupational disease claims, had died over six years, between December 2001 and December 2007.

Sixty occupational disease claims were forwarded to WSIB since January, said Andy LaDouceur, a member of the Local 2251 occupational disease committee.

The clinic will assess working conditions inside the steel plant, focusing on exposures to toxic chemicals and substances.

… Included in the campaign coalition is USW Local 2724, three local ASI retiree groups, the Occupational Health Clinic for Ontario Workers, WSIB, USW District 6 and the Ontario Federation of Labour.

“A number of labour organizations and agencies are sending people to assist us at their own expense,” said DaPrat, whose clinic’s information will be available to other organizations.

Not included in the partnership is Algoma Steel itself.

… Research indicates it takes 25 to 30 years after the initial exposure for occupational disease to manifest itself, usually once the employee enters retirement, and many mistakenly attribute poor health to non-occupational origins or even fate.

“Don’t assume anything when it comes to occupational disease,” said Nancy Hutchison, USW District 6 health and safety co-ordinator, also in attendance Thursday.

“Don’t assume that because you smoke that it’s the sole reason behind lung cancer; the workplace can also be a significant contributing factor.”

More to this excellent story at the Sault Star >>

Source: United Steelworkers

Due to the high rates of cancer and disease as demonstrated to the union by worker concerns, evidence from workers on disease among workers, the fact that Sault Ste. Marie has four times the provincial cancer rate (according to the Algoma Health Unit) and Algoma Steel Inc.

ASI accounts for approximately three per cent of the provincial occupational disease fatalities (as calculated by WSIB statistics).

Between the years of 2001 and 2007, 40 of the occupational disease claims recognized by WSIB have resulted in fatalities.

We announce today an effort to co-ordinate and support those workers who have contracted a disease that may be related to working at ASI and affiliates.

United Steelworkers Local 2251 is offering a free and confidential Occupational Disease Intake Clinic.

Current and former ASI employees, retirees, family members and widows/widowers are urged to attend. Read the rest of this entry »

by Jack Storey | Source: Soo Evening News

Ships in the river overnight hove-to or tied up where they were to await daylight and the resumption of icebreaker escorts, starting with two thousand-foot self unloaders making the first downbound trips of the season.

Coast Guard operations manager Mark Gill said the 1,000-foot Indiana Harbor and Edwin H. Gott opted to lay over the nighttime hours at the Soo Locks pier wall after locking down late Tuesday. Gill explained that while the commercial ships waited, two Bay-Class tugs completed the initial opening of the often-troublesome West Neebish Channel in preparation for the two wide-bodied vessels due down early today.

He said Coast Guard ice escorts are suspended during nighttime hours because of very limited visibility and safety concerns. However, an extra hour of daylight in the evening and a bright moon overnight aided the tugs Katmai Bay and Biscayne Bay in their joint channel-clearing operation at West Neebish.

Downriver of that passage on the upbound side, a cluster of four ships waited in the ice overnight at Mud Lake before resuming their first upbound passages of the season in heavy ice conditions. Stewart J. Cort, James R. Barker, Algorail and Canadian Transfer were all expected to get underway early today after waiting out the night in the ice.

More to this excellent story at the Soo Evening News >>

Source: Soo Evening News

Callaway’s struggle with the ice below Sault Ste. Marie was matched at the Sugar Island ferry crossing, where an ice jam just below Mission Point kept the ferry Sugar Islander II at her island dock through most of Monday and well into early Tuesday morning.

Above the Soo Locks, two thousand-foot self unloaders crossing Lake Superior on Monday ran into the same kind of packed ice well inside Whitefish Point.

Both ships, Indiana Harbor and Edwin H. Gott, laid up for the night off Isle Parisienne to await icebreaker help from the USCGC Mackinaw and daylight.

In an opening day as busy as any in recent memory, four more ships waited in the ice upbound at Mud Lake for their turn at the difficult upbound channel around Neebish Island.

Much more to the story at the Soo Evening News >>