Due to its long history, several potential environmental concerns are associated with the No. 2 Open Hearth building and surrounding areas. Residual materials such as graphite and slag dust remain on the ground surface within the footprint of the No. 2 Open Hearth building. Material sampling carried out by SEACOR in 2001 identified elevated heavy metal concentrations in some of the materials sampled (refer to the Hazardous Material Survey, 2001 Environmental Decommissioning, Sydney Steel Corporation, SEACOR Environmental, July 2002). These materials may become integrated with surface soils in this area, resulting in heavy metal and PAH impacts to soils and groundwater in the No. 2 Open Hearth area.

Significant subsurface impacts may be present in this area as a result of historical fuel transmission. Environmental issues of concern associated with the rail tracks include creosote rail ties and potential contaminated soil under and adjacent to the tracks.

Due to the past operation of gas producers on the west side of the building, coal tar and light oil contamination may be present in the subsurface in that area. Although the gas producers ceased operation by the 1950s, impacts may yet be present depending on the manner in which by-products were disposed.

Looking West at the Blast Furnace Stockyard c. 1940 (Beaton Institute)