GASP to Board of Health: More Needs to Be Done to Alert Residents During Industrial Emergencies

Last month’s deadly explosion at U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works left the community reeling, and while the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) issued alerts via social media and through press releases, the incident underscores the need for a more robust emergency alert system for when industrial incidents occur.

While the Aug. 11 explosion was the latest incident, it wasn’t the first: Major emergencies have also occurred at Neville Chemical, Metalico, and other industrial facilities.

This isn’t a new call to action. Sadly, GASP has been calling on county leaders to develop such a plan since (gulp) 1972. But it’s one that we renewed Wednesday, when GASP Executive Director Patrick Campbell addressed the Allegheny County Board of Health.

Here’s what he told them:

Good evening. My name is Patrick Campbell, and I am the Executive Director of the Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP), a nonprofit that has been working to improve our region’s air quality since 1969. Thank you for the opportunity to speak with you remotely tonight.

I’m here to address a critical issue for our community: the urgent need for a robust emergency alert system for industrial incidents such as the Aug. 11 explosion at U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works. This is not a new request—GASP has been raising this concern since 1972.

First, I want to thank the Allegheny County Health Department for the improvements we saw in public health messaging after this most recent incident. ACHD’s timely communication—through press releases and social media—was an important step forward, and we truly appreciate that progress. But we know more must be done to ensure that all residents are promptly notified in ways that directly reach them when incidents occur that can, or may, impact their health.

In emergencies, information is the most powerful tool. Without it, fear and confusion spreads, and people are left unsure of how to protect themselves and their families. While press releases and social media are useful, they cannot be the only channels. A truly inclusive plan is needed—one that ensures direct, real-time alerts to residents across the Mon Valley and the county.

Such a plan should be developed collaboratively, with input from county council, community leaders, emergency responders, advocates, and industry representatives. By building on the foundation ACHD has already established, and by strengthening tools like the Mon Valley and Allegheny Alerts systems, we can ensure residents receive timely, clear, and accessible information during industrial emergencies.

This isn’t about assigning blame or making something punitive. It is about creating a system that prioritizes public health, empowers residents to take precautions, and demonstrates that local leaders are prepared to act swiftly and decisively.

An effective communication plan is more than just sending out alerts—it is about building trust. It shows residents that their well-being is at the center of decision-making.

GASP is ready to partner with ACHD and other stakeholders to develop such a system. Together, we can make sure that when the next incident occurs, residents are equipped with the best information they need to stay safe.

Thank you.