Background on Ternium and Relevance
Ternium, a prominent steel manufacturer in Mexico, has been actively involved in various environmental initiatives and projects. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Ternium operates multiple plants across the country, contributing significantly to Mexico’s steel industry. The recent chemical spill incident near the “La Talaverna” arroya in San Nicolás de los Garza highlights their dedication to addressing environmental concerns and ensuring public safety.
The Incident and Ternium’s Response
On April 18, the Nuevo León State Environmental Department (SEMARNAT) threatened to penalize Ternium for environmental damage caused by a chemical spill into the “La Talaverna” arroyo. In response, Ternium immediately activated emergency protocols and informed relevant authorities and the community about their containment and remediation efforts.
Key Actions Taken by Ternium
- Deployment of 150 Brigadistas: Ternium mobilized over 150 brigadistas, comprising cleaning personnel and specialized technicians, to address the spill and ensure public safety.
- Neutralizing Material Application: They applied a neutralizing solution (calcium in solution, sodium hydroxide, and food-grade baking soda) and conducted intensive cleaning in 10 locations and 8 dikes to restore water quality to normal levels.
- Industrial Vacuum Equipment Usage: Ternium employed industrial vacuum equipment (Vactor) to suction and recover both liquids and solids from the affected area.
- Extensive Laboratory Analysis: More than 200 laboratory analyses were conducted at various points along the arroyo, yielding optimal results.
- Environmental Monitoring: Ongoing environmental monitoring focuses on water quality, local flora, and fauna as part of the remediation efforts.
Communication with Authorities and Community
Ternium maintained constant communication with environmental authorities such as CONAGUA, PROFEPA, and the Nuevo León State Environmental and Health Secretariats. They also ensured regular visits from these organizations to monitor progress and address any concerns.
Current Status and Future Commitments
Currently, Ternium is working on removing the reddish coloration from the concrete caused by iron(II) oxide, which does not pose any health or environmental risks. The company reiterated its commitment to environmental responsibility and pledged to continue working until the coloration is eliminated, adhering to all protocols and implementing necessary improvements.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Ternium’s response to the chemical spill? Ternium immediately activated emergency protocols, informed relevant authorities and the community, and deployed 150 brigadistas to address the spill and ensure public safety.
- What actions did Ternium take to mitigate the spill’s impact? Ternium applied neutralizing materials, conducted intensive cleaning, used industrial vacuum equipment, and performed extensive laboratory analyses to monitor progress.
- How is Ternium addressing environmental concerns? Ternium maintains communication with environmental authorities, conducts ongoing monitoring of water quality and local flora/fauna, and commits to eliminating the reddish coloration caused by the spill.
