Riverdale
Located near the Indiana border south of Chicago, Riverdale operates a compact strip facility and produces hot-rolled sheet products. Its location allows for good shipping access to Lake Michigan and is surrounded by excellent highway systems and railroad capabilities. ArcelorMittal Riverdale is the former Acme Steel Company and has stood on its site since approximately 1910. The compact strip mill was finished in 1996. The Riverdale plant covers nearly 114 acres of land.
Examples of Environmental Excellence
Home to the Bald Eagle
Riverdale was built in the middle of a major migration flyway nearly 100 years ago. More than 300 species of birds regularly traverse the skies above the mill. However, the American Bald Eagle had disappeared from the area even before industry set down roots. After a century of absence, a bald eagle family has now returned. A nesting pair has raised chicks within sight of the steel mill for the last four years.
Because bald eagles require an abundant supply of fresh clean water, the birds’ return indicates that water quality in the area has improved significantly in recent years. ArcelorMittal donated 16 acres of land around the area to the City of Chicago to ensure appropriate care and protection of the site.
The land has been integrated into the City of Chicago’s nature and wildlife initiative. Plans call for the acquisition of hundreds of acres of currently unprotected natural land and the conversion of almost 1,000 acres to quality habitat.