PROTECTING OUR PLANET

Biodiversity

As part of U. S. Steel’s commitment to protecting biodiversity, we continued to follow the Biodiversity Management Plan developed in 2022 to manage biodiversity risks and adverse impacts at U. S. Steel’s Big River Steel Works. We are dedicated to respecting protected and conserved areas, and we will continue to manage potential adverse impacts on biodiversity. The plan provides guidance to environmental staff for monitoring our properties and designated mitigation areas to identify risks and ensure that our biodiversity program is effective.

To see our biodiversity-related highlights and progress, click here

Cleaning Up a River

In Mon Valley, U. S. Steel employees in the SteelSUSTAINABILITY employee resource group used a boat donated by a local marina to remove drums, other debris and miscellaneous garbage from the Monongahela River in front of the Irvin Plant, as part of a larger cleanup event. A total of 22,000 pounds of garbage were collected by all the facilities during the event.

On Track to Save Trees

U. S. Steel’s Big River Steel Works installed 13 miles of steel ties. Using 30,000 steel crossties and 28 sets of steel switch ties instead of wooden ties has saved the harvesting of 9,333 trees. Because trees capture carbon from the atmosphere, preserving those trees translates into 336 metric tons of carbon mitigation per year. Over the roughly century-long lifespan of steel ties, these ties will protect the removal of 33,600 metric tons of carbon from the atmosphere. The ties are made from 100% recycled content, and though their purchase price is slightly higher than wooden ties, steel ties require less labor, as well as less ballast material—a Scope 3 savings.

U. S. Steel’s Big River Steel Works installed 13 miles of steel ties. Using 30,000 steel crossties and 28 sets of steel switch ties instead of wooden ties has saved the harvesting of 9,333 trees.

An On-site Wetland

USSK developed a large pond and wetland in front of its main administrative building. The company brought in designers, builders, and botanists to ensure the new area will foster native wildlife and vegetation and provide a natural landscape. UPJŠ Botanical Garden in Košice is studying the wetland to collect scientific data and compare it with others throughout city.

U. S. Steel’s Big River Steel Works: Biodiversity and Land Management

Big River Steel Works took several actions in 2023 in keeping with its biodiversity management plan, a key component of its certification by ResponsibleSteel™. Efforts included designating mitigation areas and monitoring the growth of vegetation and numbers of wildlife in the areas around its facilities. Among its other actions:

- A 40-acre wildlife habitat was added on the west side of the property, including a pond used by migratory birds. Staff worked with specialists from Quail Forever to choose native trees and plants, which were hand planted by staff.

-The Save the Bees Pollinator Program continued its work to relocate hives, and to share information with employees on how to get started with beekeeping at home. The bee pollinator program supports regional biodiversity in an area where ecosystems coincide with agricultural production. The program has saved more than 10,000 bees so far, rescued at least four hives from areas of the mill, and added a wildflower bed by our cafeteria along with providing beekeeping education.

-Other actions at Big River Steel Works included putting down protective soil cover, digging a storm water regulator ditch, adding warm season grasses, and creating a stormwater pond to support a range of wildlife including migratory birds. On Arbor Day, BRS’ Environmental Department planted trees in collaboration with the Osceola, Arkansas Parks and Recreation Department; the new trees will improve water conservation and provide a habitat for pollinators.

10,000 bees saved so far. The bee pollinator program supports regional biodiversity in an area where ecosystems coincide with agricultural production.

Former USS Duluth Works — Spirit Lake Sediment Remediation Project

U. S. Steel partnered with U. S. EPA Great Lakes National Program Office (GLNPO) to remediate the former U. S. Steel Duluth Works.

  • 460,000 cubic yards of impacted sediment/soil were removed using mechanical and hydraulic dredging
  • 2 Confined Disposal Facilities constructed onsite to store material removed during remediation
  • 96 acres of aquatic areas were covered by a multi-layer remedial cap
  • 850,000 cubic yards impacted material is safely covered in place by a remedial cap
  • 115 acres within Spirit Lake will be monitored over time for natural recovery
  • 12 acres of Enhanced Natural Recovery thin cover was used at Spirit Lake
  • 5,000 feet of the Unnamed Creek were realigned and restored
  • 138 acres of aquatic habitat have been restored
  • 14 acres of new open water were created as part of a shallow, sheltered bay habitat
  • 360,000 aquatic plants were installed during restoration of the site
  • 75 acres of upland areas were restored with native plant species
  • 2.2 miles of new pedestrian trails were constructed through the site<
  • 5,800 feet of shoreline were protected using various methods

A portion of the work will extend into the 2024 construction season. This project won the Western Dredging Association (WEDA – covering North, Central and South America. Part of the World Organization of Dredging Association (WODA)) 2023 Environmental Excellence Award for Partnerships and Outreach/ Education in dredging projects.

Employee Spotlight: 

German_Don
Don German
Mon Valley Works Irvin Plant Manager

Don German, U. S. Steel’s Mon Valley Works Irvin plant manager, is renowned for his eagle expertise. Overseeing environmental initiatives, he supports local wildlife, including two resident Bald Eagles, Irvin and Claire. Don's outreach has educated over 10,000 students and attracted millions to the live eagle webcam.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DON GERMAN AND THE USS EAGLES