Waste Treatment Facilities for
Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation,
Hennepin Works
L. B. STONER, General Foreman
Combustion and Utilities
Hennepin Works
Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation
Hennepin, Illinois
INTRODUCTION
This paper describes the systematic approach used to develop an effective
waste and water treatment operation at the J & L Steel Plant in Hennepin, Illinois.
Discussion is included also on the major problem areas as well as the solutions that
have been found for some of those problems.
J & L's environmental control policy is to participate actively in the creation
and preservation of acceptable environmental quality in all communities in which the
Corporation operates. To that end, all new facilities are designed to meet or exceed
government standards for air and water quality, and existing facilities are brought in
to compliance with current standards as rapidly as technology and economics permit.
The successful implementation of this policy at the Hennepin Works is attested by
this plant's receipt of the first annual award for the best Industrial Pollution Control
Program in Illinois. The selection was made by the Sanitary Water Board at the 1970
Operator's Conference in Springfield.
The Jones & Laughlin Steel Corporation plant in Hennepin, Illinois has now
been in operation three years. This is a completely new facility designed to produce
cold rolled sheets and galvanized sheet products.
Phase One equipment includes a hydrochloric acid pickle line for the removal
of scale and rust from hot rolled steel bands; an 84-inch five-stand cold reducing mill;
an 84-inch two-stand temper mill; a 60-inch galvanizing line; facilities for slitting,
shearing, corrugating, and finishing steel; and auxiliary facilities for the initial
installation plus some capacity for future expansion. Ultimately, it is expected that a
completely integrated steel plant will emerge on this location in north central Illinois.
The selection of the site in 1965 was as a result of a careful study of the many
factors one of which was the availability of a good supply of water. It is used in large
volumes for cooling, generation of steam, cleaning, and many other uses including
conveying of wastes.
At Hennepin, the requirements for good quality industrial water and the
potential for pollution was recognized by our management and engineering groups.
Potable water and sanitary sewage service is supplied by the Hennepin Public Water
District and these systems will not be a part of this presentation. A major task in
designing our waste and water treatment plant was that of determining the needs for
water by the various units and anticipating the pollution potential of each. As a basis
for  establishing the  quantity  and  quality   of the  water  supply  and the wastes
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