Lt. Gov John Fetterman joined representatives of U.S. Steel and the workers’ union on Monday to discuss the company’s commitment to the region and its plans to invest in the Mon Valley Works, including the embattled Clairton Coke Works.
Mr. Fetterman met with the groups at U.S. Steel’s Clairton plant, his latest visit to the site since December, when a fire caused the plant to exceed emissions limits more than two dozen times in a 3½-month period.
“I was there today affirming my commitment to hold U.S. Steel to the highest environmental standard," he said.
In May, U.S. Steel pledged to invest $1 billion in the Mon Valley Works, a move that was applauded by the United Steelworkers union, which represents roughly 15,000 workers employed with the company.
And last week, U.S. Steel and the Allegheny County Health Department announced a 32-page draft settlement in which the company said it plans to spend approximately $200 million to improve operation of the Clairton plant’s coke batteries, including upgrades to emissions controls, plant infrastructure and maintenance.
As part of the settlement, the health department, which issues operating permits and enforces emissions controls on the county’s last coking facility, agreed to update, revise and improve its inspection and testing procedures at the coke works, located along the Monongahela River less than 20 miles south of Pittsburgh.
U.S. Steel has long faced criticism for sulfur dioxide emissions at the Coke Works.
That criticism took on more urgency, however, after a fire on Dec. 24 caused the plant to exceed sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and soot emissions limits on 28 days over the next 3½ months while the equipment was repaired or replaced.
Then, last month, an electrical fire caused pollution control equipment to shut down for more than 15 hours.
Despite the problems, Mr. Fetterman said he sees the Mon Valley Works turning the corner.
“Not only am I confident, but having confidence doesn't mean I've stopped caring,” he said. “I’m living across the street from the mill in Braddock. My family is living across the street from the mill. I have been hyper-vigilant that they honor their commitment to the community and preserve the union way of life for its workers.”
Meanwhile, environmental advocates joined Pittsburgh City Council members Erika Strassburger and Corey O'Connor Monday as they introduced a Will of Council, or letter of support, for the Allegheny County Health Department's regulatory actions against U.S. Steel following the December fire at the Clairton plant.
First Published: July 1, 2019, 5:41 p.m.