BlueScope has shut down part of the Port Kembla steelworks after high levels of air pollution were detected on four different dates.
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Ever since a fire at the sinter plant's gas cleaning plant in October 2014, the steelmaker has to regularly bypass the infrastructure to carry out maintenance.
The gas plant had been operating in bypass mode since February 18 to investigate the condition of the stack; it was discovered some areas needed to be replace rather than repaired.
The bypass was in force for 12 weeks, during which time BlueScope conducted air monitoring for particulate matter, hydrogen chloride and a group of environmental pollutants classed as dioxins/furans.
A sample from March 26 was tested by the BlueScope labs and the results received in mid April showed dioxin/furan levels well above the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) licence limit.
"BlueScope immediately notified the EPA of the exceedance and was instructed by the EPA to increase the frequency of testing for dioxins/furans from weekly to daily," a BlueScope spokesman said.
Further excessive readings were found on April 6, 20 and 23.
The gas cleaning plant reduces emissions from the sinter plant, which bakes together fine materials so that they can be used in the blast furnace.
To deal with the pollution issue, the steelmaker has shortened the bypass time so the gas plant can be reopened on May 8.
Until then the sinter plant will remain closed; the blast furnace, however, will continue to operate.
An investigation on the heightened levels will also be undertaken and an external consultant brought in to carry out a review and advise on any health impacts.
"The EPA has been advised of the interim arrangement and most recent results," the BlueScope spokesman said.
The gas cleaning plant caught fire on October 13, 2014.
A cloud of black smoke smelling of burnt rubber or plastic hung over the site and reached parts of the Wollongong CBD.