‘Do the right thing:’ Youngstown business recognized by U.S. EPA for helping prevent pollution
Vallourec Star is one of three companies recognized across the nation for their efforts in preventing pollution.
In 2023, the Youngstown-based steel plant started implementing more aggressive strategies toward preventing pollution, according to Vallourec Star environmental manager Joe Mook.
Their goal was to start prioritizing using safer and more environmentally friendly chemicals in the workplace, also called the ChemSafe program.
Mook said the success of the ChemSafe program is measured by tracking the number of high-risk chemicals replaced with safer alternatives.
Initially, Vallourec Star had a goal of a “70% substitution rate” of these high-risk chemicals, but they actually replaced 90%, exceeding their goal.
“Vallourec has always defined itself by operating with a ‘do the right thing’ mindset,” said Mook. “Our choice to prioritize safer, lower risk chemicals aligns with our core values of continually improving safety in the workplace while taking environmentally sustainable actions.”
Avantor Solon Manufacturing Center in Cuyahoga County and GEOTEK in Minnesota also won Regional Pollution Prevention Awards.
Combined, the three award winners reduced:
- Approximately 962 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (MTCO2e)
- Around 10,320 pounds of solvent waste
- Business costs by approximately $139,100 annually