Chapter 4: What Comes Next with Edgar Thomson? And Why We Need YOU

Editor’s Note: This is the fourth of a four-part series examining the years-long fight to get U.S. Steel’s Edgar Thomson facility in North Braddock in compliance with a host of air quality rules and regulations. In chapter one, GASP explored the spate of emissions violations and compliance struggles that led to a joint enforcement action from EPA and ACHD in 2017 and ultimately a controversial settlement decree. In chapter two, we analyzed the terms of the consent decree, while chapter three focused on whether or not U.S. Steel met the requirements of those terms. In this final chapter, we talk about what's next and why we need YOU.

For many of the aspects of the consent decree - like BOP Shop recommended improvements and installation of the Riley Boilers - we just have to wait and see. And when we say, “wait and see” we mean that GASP will be making subsequent public records requests for those semiannual reports to determine where in the process U.S. Steel is - and what additional documents that we will need to obtain.

That process will be ongoing.

For those asking, “Hey, what ever happened with that Turtle Creek Connection trail that received $750,000 in consent decree fine money?” we don’t have much new news there, either, unfortunately.

The project website states simply, “This project is currently in the design and engineering phase.”

What We DO Know

Here’s what we DO know: GASP’s watchdog work will not stop while we’re waiting for the myriad reports, updates, studies and details to emerge.

Why?

Under the current consent decree, U.S. Steel is required to follow "short-term and intermediate recommendations" to reduce emissions for various operations. But how do we know if these work practices and equipment tweaks are actually doing what they were intended to?

The answer is community eyes.

The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) employs inspectors, but the reality is simple: they cannot be everywhere at once. That’s why GASP is increasing its watchdog efforts at Edgar Thomson and we’re looking for volunteers to help join our ET Watch Team to provide the consistent, high-quality observations needed to hold U.S. Steel accountable.

Join the Team

We are looking for residents who live near the Edgar Thomson facility to join us. You know your neighborhood best. You know when the air feels heavy and when the stench is at its peak.

GASP will provide the tools residents need to:

• Understand visual emissions coming from the Edgar Thomson facility

• Make effective air quality reports to Allegheny County Health Department

• Engage with policymakers

Ready to take the next step?

“We cannot wait for U.S. Steel to self-report every slip-up. If we want the air in the Mon Valley to improve, we have to be the ones working to make it happen,” Campbell added.

Interested? Fill out our quick form here.