State-of-the-Art Pollution Controls to Help Improve Air Quality

The Allegheny County Health Department has issued a permit to U.S. Steel Corp. for the installation of a second new coke oven battery at its Clairton Coke Works.

Although installation of the first new coke oven battery has been suspended due to the economic downturn, the Health Department nonetheless continued with the permitting process for a second new battery so U.S. Steel could proceed with its plans to build two new batteries at the Clairton Coke Works once the economy rebounds.  

The two new coke oven batteries would be equipped with state-of-the-art pollution controls and replace six older batteries that are to be permanently shut down, helping to improve air quality for residents of the Liberty/Clairton area.

The area, which includes a population of about 25,000 people residing in Liberty, Clairton, Glassport, Lincoln and Port Vue, is classified as a “non-attainment” area because it does not meet national air quality standards for fine particulate pollution.

“The new batteries, combined with extensive rebuilding of the plant’s six remaining batteries, will dramatically improve air quality and help bring the Liberty/Clairton area into attainment,” said County Health Director Dr. Bruce W. Dixon.

Dr. Dixon commended the Health Department’s Air Quality Program for processing the permit in a timely and efficient manner and also thanked the community for its extensive input on the draft permit during the public comment period.

The permit, as well as a detailed written response by the Health Department to every public comment, is available for review by logging onto www.achd.net.

The permanent shutdown of the six older coke oven batteries is mandated under a consent order and agreement with U.S. Steel, whether or not the company ultimately builds the new batteries. 

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