CLAIRTON, Pa. (KDKA) — In the event you generally scent one thing like rotten eggs within the air, it is most likely hydrogen sulfide coming from the Mon Valley. The county well being division is fining US Metal tens of millions of to rein it in.
He sale of US Metal to Nippon Metal It might occur quickly, however the Allegheny County Well being Division is giving the previous metal large a possible parting reward: a $2.2 million wonderful for air emissions violations, primarily on the Clairton Coke Works.
On this enforcement order, the county says Coke Works was answerable for 94 days of high-level exceedances of air emissions requirements for hydrogen sulfide, a respiratory irritant.
“It is also the supply of that horrible rotten egg scent that nearly everybody in Pittsburgh comes to acknowledge when the air smells actually unhealthy,” mentioned Matthew Mehalik of the Breathe Venture.
The wonderful is simply the newest in what has been an ongoing tug-of-war between US Metal and the well being division over operations at Coke Works. In response to complaints from aged residents with power well being situations, the county cited and fined the power, whereas US Metal mentioned it had spent tens of millions to wash the air.
In an announcement to KDKA-TV, the corporate mentioned: “US Metal tried to work with the Division, however the Division unilaterally ended these discussions. US Metal values our shared setting and the communities during which we function, and we favor to work with the Division collaboratively in these efforts.”
Environmentalists like Mehalik say these efforts have been inadequate.
“They could have invested that cash. The plant is big and previous. And there are quite a lot of components which are failing,” Mehalik mentioned.
However even with a brand new proprietor, Mehalik believes Coke Works’ days could also be numbered.
“There could also be a method to prolong it for just a few years, however the long-term prospects will not be good as a result of the worldwide metal business is taking steps to decarbonize and never function with these previous industrial processes,” Mehalik mentioned.
If the sale goes by, situations at Coke Works will stay in place. And it is going to be as much as the brand new proprietor to resolve variations with the county.