Gary’s Steel Industry Faces Scrutiny Amid Environmental and Health Concerns
In 1979, Natalie Ammons moved her family to Gary, Indiana, seeking refuge from Chicago’s gang violence, only to find herself living near one of the world’s largest steel mills. The Gary Works mill, with its towering smokestacks and relentless activity, became a constant presence in her life, contributing to a landscape marked by pollution and health challenges.
Throughout her life, Ammons witnessed the environmental toll of the steel industry without fully understanding its implications. It wasn’t until her great-grandchildren faced asthma attacks and required breathing machines that she became an advocate for cleaner air. “You have not lived until you see the three of them sitting there on masks and they can’t move until they get the treatment,” she expressed at a rally last month (source).
As part of the Gary Advocates for Responsible Development, Ammons and others are urging U.S. Steel to upgrade its 118-year-old Gary Works with cleaner technologies. The mill, a significant employer in northwest Indiana, has been identified as a major contributor to air pollution, ranking among the top 15 emitters of PM2.5 pollution in the U.S.
Despite the legal status of these emissions under current regulations, the health impacts are undeniable. PM2.5 particles, small enough to enter the bloodstream through the lungs, have been linked to various health issues, including asthma and heart disease. Recent reports indicate that Lake County, Indiana, where Gary Works is located, received failing grades for PM2.5 pollution and ozone levels (source).
Economic and Environmental Challenges
The steel industry in northwest Indiana, reshaped by globalization and automation, has seen significant job losses since its peak in the 1970s. Today, about 9,000 jobs remain at the mills along Lake Michigan, a stark contrast to the 55,000 jobs of the past.
Efforts to modernize the industry have been met with challenges. Nippon Steel’s acquisition of U.S. Steel promises a $3.1 billion investment in Gary, yet plans for a cleaner direct reduction facility have been slated for Osceola, Arkansas, instead. This decision has sparked criticism from local activists who argue that without such technology, Gary will continue to face pollution and economic uncertainty.
U.S. Steel spokesperson Amanda Malkowski stated that implementing direct reduction in Gary would be too risky and expensive due to the scale required to sustain the mill. However, Jack Weinberg, a former steelworker and technical adviser to local advocacy groups, insists that transitioning to newer technologies is crucial for the mill’s future.
The Human Cost of Pollution
The impact of pollution from the steel mills extends beyond environmental concerns, deeply affecting the health and lives of Gary residents. Beryl Fitzpatrick, COO of Community HealthNet Health Centers, recounts her personal battle with cancer, attributing it to environmental factors linked to pollution in the area.
Fitzpatrick’s story is not unique. Studies show that residents near steel mills face higher risks of developing cancer, and children in Gary are more likely to suffer from asthma. These health challenges, coupled with economic struggles, highlight the urgent need for cleaner steelmaking practices.
As Gary continues to grapple with these issues, Ammons remains committed to advocating for her community. Despite the challenges, she is determined to stay and fight for a cleaner, healthier future for Gary’s residents.
Original Story at www.chicagotribune.com