Dozens of city, county and other local officials are asking the Allegheny County Health Department to adopt and enforce stronger rules to curb industrial air pollution that has become a major concern for their constituents.

The officials, in a Thursday letter to health department Director Dr. Debra Bogen, said air pollution remains a significant health concern throughout the region, and specifically cited U.S. Steel Corp.’s Clairton Coke Works for its “long history of violating ACHD air pollution rules.”

Myron Arnowitt, Pennsylvania director for Clean Water Action, said: “Many residents who have concerns about air quality often feel their views are being ignored. These elected officials are showing real leadership in supporting their constituents’ right to clean air.”

Coincidentally, the health department Thursday charged the Pittsburgh-based steelmaker with multiple violations of hydrogen sulfide emissions limits in 2020 and 2021 at its coke works in Clairton, based on measurements at the Allegheny County Health Department’s Liberty monitor.

Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas most commonly recognized by its “rotten egg” smell.

The notice of violation issued by the health department Thursday cites 25 exceedances of the pollution standards in 2020 and seven to date in 2021. The notice is the first step of an enforcement action that could include civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation per day.

U.S. Steel has 14 days to schedule a meeting with ACHD to discuss the notice of violation, before additional enforcement action is taken.

“We received the Notice of Violation today are reviewing it,” said Amanda Malkowski, a U.S. Steel spokeswoman. “There are many local and regional sources of hydrogen sulfide, and we plan to meet with the Allegheny County Health Department, as offered in the (notice of violation).”

The letter sent to Dr. Bogen, signed by seven mayors, the councils of eight municipalities, and city and county commissioners, urged the county to tighten air pollution standards and require U.S. Steel to bring its coke ovens, some up to 70 years old, into compliance with current regulations.

The officials also want the county to adopt minimum emissions reduction standards for industry during periods when pollution levels are elevated.

“This is not a question of getting to legal federal minimum standards, but a question of whether our children can go outside without worrying about asthma attacks or our parents won’t suffer from another heart attack or stroke,” the officials wrote. “We urge ACHD to look to solutions that ensure all Allegheny County residents, no matter what neighborhood they live in, or what their health condition is, will not have to worry about the air they breathe.”

Don Hopey: dhopey@post-gazette.com.

First Published: April 1, 2021, 10:43 p.m.