Coshocton Works Receives Certification for Environmental Restoration Efforts

The Coshocton Ohio Works of AK Steel (West Chester, OH) received "Wildlife at Work" certification from the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring and enhancing wildlife habitat. The certification recognizes the company for its ongoing environmental restoration efforts at the plant.

"Congratulations to AK Steel for their commitment to a healthy, natural world and connected communities," said Robert Johnson, WHC president. "The Wildlife Habitat Council believes that collaboration among all stakeholder groups is critical to addressing the complex issues facing the sustainability of the planet. WHC members take a leading role in connecting community stakeholders through wildlife habitat enhancement, community outreach and conservation education."

Since the summer of 2008, AK Steel has restored more than two acres of plant property into native Ohio prairie land. The restored area includes several nesting boxes for bluebirds and purple martins, as well as native flowers and grasses. The company will maintain the restored area and plans to expand the prairie to 15 to 20 acres over time.

"AK Steel is proud to receive 'Wildlife at Work' certification for the company's environmental projects at Coshocton Works," said James L. Wainscott, AK Steel chairman, president and CEO. "The recognition reflects our commitment to operating responsibly at all of our plant locations."

In addition to "Wildlife at Work" certification, AK Steel's Coshocton Works is ANSI / ISO 14001:2004 certified to meet internationally recognized environmental management standards. The plant recycles approximately 29,000 tons of waste materials per year and uses high efficiency lighting throughout the facility.

The Wildlife Habitat Council is a nonprofit group of corporations, conservation organizations and individuals dedicated to restoring and enhancing wildlife habitat. Since 1988, the organization has helped large landowners, particularly corporations, manage their unused lands in an ecologically sensitive manner for the benefit of wildlife.

AK Steel produces flat-rolled carbon, stainless and electrical steels, primarily for automotive, appliance, construction and electrical power generation and distribution markets.