Several Mon Valley lawmakers urged prompt attention Thursday to the emissions problems at U.S. Steel's Clairton Coke Works, which have prompted the Allegheny County Health Department to urge residents of nearly two dozen communities to limit outdoor time.
"The Mon Valley is in the midst of a public health situation; one that could have been avoided, and one that needs to be immediately remedied," said state Sen. Jay Costa, Sen. James Brewster, and Rep. Austin Davis, in a news release Thursday morning.
The lawmakers noted six violations of sulfur dioxide emission standards since Dec. 24, adding that "the public was not notified about the violations and resultant danger until January 9th."
“Folks have a right to know about potential concerns with the air they breathe,” said Mr. Costa, in the release. “That didn’t happen here, and we need more transparency as we move forward.”
"The Clairton Coke Works is a known, ongoing violator of air pollution standards," the lawmakers continued. "The facility has been fined over $4 million, even prior to the most recent violations following the fire. While the plant has taken steps to reduce emissions violations, it must do more and quickly. And the continuing violations triggered by the fire must be brought to a quick end."
The lawmakers also noted the findings of the doctor quoted here.
They called for a hearing in the affected communities, at which county officials, health advocates, U.S. Steel representatives and others would speak. They also demanded a timeline for resolving the problems at the plant.
“We are sure that once we hear from the community and stakeholder[s] more action items will come to our attention, so we must first open this issue up for public dialogue, and we must act quickly,” said Representative Austin Davis.
First Published: January 17, 2019, 4:52 p.m.
