ArcelorMittal Dofasco green steel project proposes pipeline

A proposed switch from coal to natural gas at Hamilton’s steel mills is bringing mixed reactions across the city. Industry officials say a large pipeline is needed to make that happen in order to meet demand and achieve emission targets.

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In efforts to go green at the steel mills, ArcelorMittal Dofasco says it will take a large 14-kilometre natural gas pipeline through a populated area of east Hamilton to get it done.

There will be an information session Thursday evening at the Stoney Creek Lions Club where east enders can receive more information about the proposal from Enbridge Gas.

The natural gas supplier says the preferred route would begin on Highway 56 south of Rymal Road where a new station will be built. The route would then run along Upper Centennial Parkway down to Barton Street until it reaches ArcelorMittal Dofasco.

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During a committee meeting last month, Enbridge’s Murray Castello says Hamilton needs to increase capacity because it will need double the gas to produce. Then in turn replace coke-making and the use of coal to help reduce greenhouse gases which Enbridge claims will significantly help by cutting down emissions by 50 per cent by 2030.

Don McLean with Hamilton 350 committee says there are environmental concerns, “we don’t have a good understanding of what the actual emissions will be from the gas their talking about using because it’s fracked gas.”

McLean believes Dofasco should explore greener alternatives like hydrogen. According to Enbridge burning natural gas produces 45 per cent less CO2 than coal and Dofasco claims they will explore cleaner options in the near future.

Steel and gas officials say the project is a must, following Queens Park and Ottawa’s investment of $900M into a $1.76B project tied to greener measures.

Enbridge says another in-person information session for the public will be held at Mount Hamilton legion next Wednesday.

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