Policy and Objectives

Corporate Environmental Policy

Bethlehem's environmental policy is straightforward: We will comply with all environmental laws and regulations applicable to the conduct of our business. As a good corporate citizen, we are dedicated to the continuous improvement of the environment in which we all live.

Bethlehem's Environmental Policy Objectives

The original policy objectives were revised in 1997 to include our alignments with the Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies (CERES) and its Principles and the International Chamber of Commerce's Business Charter for Sustainable Development. The minor revisions also make the objectives consistent with Bethlehem's comprehensive Safety, Health and Environment Plan issued in 1994.

In maintaining and improving our environmental policies, we will:

• Meet our obligations consistent with our endorsement of  the CERES Principles and the ICC Business Charter for Sustainable Development.
• Maintain effective air and water pollution control plans and procedures.
• Implement opportunities for prevention of pollution, minimize the generation of wastes and products made from steel, and dispose of any remaining wastes in an environmentally responsible manner.
• Develop and implement effective environmental management systems at all operations.
• Manufacture products that have minimal environmental impact, that are safe in their intended use, and that can be recycled, reused or disposed of safely.
• Minimize safety, health and environmental risks to our employees and our plant communities by using safe technologies and operating practices, and by being prepared for emergencies.
• Reduce our use of ozone-depleting substances and hazardous chemicals in our manufacturing operations to the maximum extent practicable.
• Provide qualified personnel and resources to implement Bethlehem's environmental policy, plans and procedures, and to address existing and emerging environmental requirements.
• Provide periodic operation-specific environmental performance reviews and assessments, and develop plans to address actual or potential non-compliance situations.
• Evaluate properties being considered for divestiture or acquisition in terms of existing environmental conditions, potential risks and liabilities, and possible impacts on other environmental obligations.
• Communicate to employees, customers, stockholders, suppliers, government and the public environmental information regarding the company's operations and its environmental accomplishments.
• Work with all levels of government to develop and implement comprehensive environmental programs, including fair, consistent and scientifically sound laws, rules and regulations.
• Support the research and educational objectives of the steel industry and other organizations concerned with environmental quality and improvement.

1997/98 Environmental Report Table of Contents