Hartleigh B. Gardner
ArcelorMittal Calvert
Being selected as an AIST Steel Intern Scholarship recipient for the third consecutive year has been one of the most influential opportunities in my academic and professional journey. The AIST Foundation Steel Intern Scholarship has not only helped fund my education but has also opened doors that ultimately led to a part-time position with ArcelorMittal Calvert while I finish my degree. I am incredibly grateful for the support AIST has provided, as I would not have had these opportunities without the scholarship program and the invaluable industry experience it has offered.
Over the past year, I have continued working in the environmental department at ArcelorMittal Calvert, where I have taken on increased responsibilities and gained exposure to several major projects. One of the most exciting opportunities has been supporting the development of the upcoming non-oriented electrical steel (NOES) plant. This facility will produce electrical steel used in electric vehicle motors and other advanced technologies that are becoming increasingly important in the transition to a more sustainable future.
As part of this project, I have assisted with environmental permitting efforts, including work related to the Title V Air Permit, state indirect discharge (SID) permits, and NPDES permitting requirements. Being involved in these permitting processes has allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of environmental regulations and the critical role compliance plays in large-scale industrial operations.
In addition to permitting work, I have been involved in a variety of environmental compliance and sustainability initiatives across the facility. This has included management of K061 baghouse dust associated with the EAF, support of corporate sustainability reporting directive (CSRD) initiatives through residue data collection and helping automate data collection and reporting processes used to support CSRD reporting requirements across the ArcelorMittal group globally. Through these experiences, I have gained valuable knowledge in hazardous waste management, sustainability reporting, data analysis, and regulatory compliance while supporting the safe and responsible operation of the facility.
Another significant project I have been involved in focuses on eliminating a SID that currently flows to the facility’s wastewater treatment plant. The goal of this project was to identify and eliminate the source of pollutants that require treatment, allowing the discharge to be redirected to the facility's stormwater system. To support this effort, I conducted water sampling and testing multiple times each week to monitor process conditions, identify pollutant sources and collect data necessary for engineering evaluations. As part of this project, I also participated in root cause analyses related to elevated chloride concentrations in process water, working with cross-functional teams to identify solutions and reduce potential compliance risks. Any remaining process of water requiring treatment will be redirected to another SID location where it can receive appropriate treatment before discharge. This project has provided firsthand experience in environmental problem-solving, data analysis, and project development while contributing to long-term environmental improvements at the facility.
Looking back, it is remarkable to see how much I have grown since receiving my first AIST Steel Intern Scholarship. What began as an internship opportunity has evolved into meaningful part-time employment and a clear career path within the steel industry. The experiences I have gained at ArcelorMittal Calvert have strengthened my technical knowledge, enhanced my professional skills, and confirmed my passion for environmental compliance and sustainability within steel manufacturing.
I am sincerely thankful to AIST for its continued investment in students like me. The AIST Foundation Steel Intern Scholarship has had a direct impact on my education, professional development and career opportunities. I look forward to continuing my growth in the steel industry and applying the lessons I have learned to support the industry's future while advancing environmental stewardship and sustainable manufacturing practices.