Lao Tzu once said “The journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.”
Examining what the Chinese philosopher was trying to express — that great things start from humble beginnings — from the viewpoint of the environmental, some people, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency might say that CMC Steel Texas of Seguin has taken another step in the right direction.
The steel minimill is already one of the largest recyclers in the state of Texas, beginning its steelmaking process by using steel scrap, which is the currency of recycling, company officials said.
Now, the 60-year-old business has partnered with the EPA to reduce the use of mercury at its plant through a program that swaps all the standard fluorescent lighting with low-mercury containing fluorescents, said Environmental Manager Brad Bredesen Friday.
“The amount of mercury in each standard fluorescent is minuscule, however, we used about 2,000 linear feet of fluorescents last year, so it adds up,” Bredesen said. “Although our program has just begun, by the time it ends in 2009, we hope to have saved up to a pound of mercury from being deposited back into the environment.”
Mercury is a toxic, metallic element that occurs naturally in the environment, but it also is released into the air through industrial pollution, according to information from the EPA. When Mercury falls from the air, it can accumulate in streams and oceans where it is turned into methylmercury.
Fish absorb the methylmercury as they feed and so it builds up in them. It is this type of mercury that has been a cause of concern for many pregnant women.
“The CMC Steel Group is pleased to participate in a program such as this,” Vice President Mike Peters said in a news release. “The act of replacing our fluorescent lamps with a non-hazardous alternative at our Texas mill takes on mew significance when added to the efforts of others across the United States.”
CMC Steel Texas also is a charter member of the Gov. Rick Perry’s “Clean Industries 2000” program, which highlights corporate commitment to the environment. Its water conservation program has been recognized by the EPA as being one of the best in the country, officials said.
For information, call 830-372-8200 or visit www.cmcsteeltexas.com.
