U.S. Steel Corporation (USS) has marked the one-year anniversary of its participation in the national mercury reduction program known as the National Vehicle Mercury Switch Recovery Program (NVMSRP).

According to a statement released on Wednesday, USS has been a part of the program since it was launched on Aug. 11, 2006, and began implementing its plan for participation in March 2007.

Under that plan USS has asked all of its shredded scrap suppliers to register with End of Life Vehicle Services and to develop their own compliance programs. Audits are being conducted of suppliers to ensure their compliance.

The purpose of NVMSRP is to prevent mercury pollution by removing mercury switches from autos and trucks before the vehicles are shredded and recycled into new steel. USS supports the program and is participating fully in it as a member of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). Other parties to the agreement include AISI, the Steel Manufacturers Association, auto manufacturers, vehicle dismantlers and shredders, environmental organizations, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Posted 8/31/2007