Gerdau Ameristeel - Primary Metal Facility in Decatur, Illinois

Gerdau Ameristeel is a primary metal facility located at 2440 N Woodford St, Decatur, Illinois, in Macon County. The plant is operational and classified under NAICS code 331111, which corresponds to iron and steel mills. As part of the primary metal sector, this facility is involved in the production of steel, likely through electric arc furnace (EAF) technology, a common method in the United States for recycling scrap metal. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which enforces multi-media environmental regulations. These include the Clean Air Act (CAA) for air emissions, the Clean Water Act (CWA) for wastewater discharges, and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) for hazardous waste management. Additionally, the facility may be subject to Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) reporting under Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). Gerdau Ameristeel plays a significant role in the local industrial landscape of Decatur, contributing to the regional economy and steel supply chain. The plant's environmental performance is monitored through permits and reporting requirements, ensuring compliance with federal and state standards. Its location in an industrial area of Decatur underscores its integration into the broader manufacturing sector of Illinois.

The facility is situated in Decatur, Illinois, a city with a mix of industrial and agricultural activities. Primary metal facilities like Gerdau Ameristeel can generate air emissions such as particulate matter and greenhouse gases, as well as wastewater from cooling and processing operations. Community proximity to the plant may raise concerns about local air quality and noise. The facility's compliance with EPA regulations helps mitigate these impacts, but inherent pollution intensity of steel production remains a key environmental consideration.