The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) ended 2020 without having taken action on required air quality operating permits for six of 31 major sources of air pollution, according to the results of an annual audit. The 17-page report issued Sept. 27 by Allegheny County Controller Chelsea Wagner notes that ACHD failed to either issue or deny Title V operating permits to the following companies within the time frames required by the Clean Air Act: Bellefield Boiler Plant U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works facility Sunoco Partners Marketing and Terminals (formerly Sun Oil Pittsburgh Terminals) Harsco Metals Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) ATI Flatrolled Products (formerly Allegheny Ludlum) In addition, Eastman Chemical Resins, Inc., a major source, has never been issued a Title V permit. Eastman has been working through the requirements of a 2011 consent order and should submit its application for a Title V permit pursuant to that consent order this coming fall or winter. The audit indicates that while progress has been made to eliminate the Title V permit backlog, the department still has a long way to go, an issue GASP has investigated annually and most recently reported on back in May. You can read more on our Watchdog Report. You can read the entire audit here. #SunocoPartnersMarketingandTerminals #AlleghenyCountyControllerChelseaWagner #ATIFlatrolledProducts #BellefieldBoiler #USSteel #AlleghenyCountySanitaryAuthority #TitleVpermitbacklog #audit #CleanAirFund #ClairtonCokeWorks #EastmanChemical #ALCOSAN

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) earlier this month announced a proposal that - if approved - would mean four municipalities in our area would no longer meet a national air quality standard for sulfur dioxide (SO2), a harmful air pollutant emitted from fossil fuel combustion and other industrial processes. Specifically, the EPA is proposing to redesignate Lower Yoder Township in Cambria County and St. Clair Township, Seward Borough, and New Florence Borough in Westmoreland County as being in nonattainment for the one-hour 2012 National Ambient Air Quality standard (NAAQS) for SO2. Sound a little like word soup? We get it. Here’s why this is kind of a big deal: EPA’s proposed redesignation will create a nonattainment area that is separate from, but adjacent to, an existing SO2 nonattainment area that consists of all of Indiana County, as well as Plum Creek Township, South Bend Township, and Elderton Borough in Armstrong County. In an interesting about face, EPA’s proposed redesignation is based in part on air quality modeling that environmental groups submitted to EPA in 2018 based on emissions data from 2013 through 2018. EPA now admits that it did not fully consider this data in 2020 when it determined that the proposed new nonattainment area was either “unclassifiable” or “attainment/unclassifiable.”  That data showed that the proposed new non-attainment area suffered from levels of SO2 pollution that exceeded the NAAQS. A little bit of background on process and some of those technical terms: The Clean Air Act requires EPA to designate areas that do not meet a NAAQS as nonattainment for that NAAQS. Once an area has been designated as nonattainment, the state in which it lies must develop what’s known as a State Implementation Plan (SIP) that demonstrates the area will attain the NAAQS within five years of EPA’s designation. “A SIP for a nonattainment area is typically based on new emission limits for sources of pollution but may also be based on the reduction of pollution due to equipment upgrades, plant retirements, or the like,” GASP senior attorney John Baillie said. In Western Pennsylvania, the most significant sources of sulfur dioxide pollution are large facilities that burn coal. Until relatively recently, the already-existing and proposed SO2 nonattainment area in Indiana and Armstrong Counties was home to four power plants that burned coal and contributed to locally high levels of SO2 pollution: Keystone Generating Station in Plum Creek Township, Armstrong County Conemaugh Generating Station in West Wheatfield Township, Indiana County Homer City Generating Station in Center Township, Indiana County and Seward Generating Station in East Wheatfield Township, Indiana County The SO2 emitted by those facilities was the principal cause of both the existing and proposed new nonattainment designations. But note: Homer City ceased operations in mid-2023, and Keystone and Conemaugh are scheduled to cease operations by no later than 2028. It is logical to expect that attainment will follow once such large sources of SO2 cease emitting. “It is entirely possible that three of the four large sources of SO2 emissions that impact that proposed new nonattainment area will be shut down before the date by which the area must finally attain the SO2 NAAQS,” Baillie explained.  “In that case, no additional controls or measures may need to be added to Pennsylvania’s SIP. The only real result of EPA’s eleventh-hour about-face on modeling and redesignation of the new nonattainment area will have been to increase paperwork for itself and DEP.” Editor’s Note: GASP continues to follow this issue closely. We will keep you posted.

The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) periodically updates its website with recent Air Quality Program enforcement actions. That docket can be viewed here. These are the latest entries, with violations related to asbestos abatement, failure to report an equipment breakdown, and air quality permit infractions. Asbestos Abatement Violations Before we tell you about the latest violations, we wanted to make sure you understood what the rules related to asbestos actually are. Allegheny County Health Department’s rules require an asbestos survey (a thorough inspection to determine the presence of asbestos) for all renovation and demolition projects and depending on the quantity of asbestos identified, proper notification, specific work practices, and proper disposal of asbestos-containing material are required. The notification requirements for facility demolition and renovation activities are dependent upon the amount of asbestos-containing (ACM) material at the site. If less than 160 square feet of ACM is identified in the facility, a properly completed notification must be submitted 10 days before demolition or renovation activity begins. If the amount of ACM is 160 square feet or more, a properly completed permit application must be submitted with appropriate payment at least 10 working days before the asbestos abatement begins. A licensed asbestos contractor must remove all ACM identified as described in the permit. Demolition or renovation activities may proceed once ACHD has performed a final clearance inspection. But back to those enforcement actions – ACHD issued notices of violation recently against: The City of Pittsburgh, Deller Professional Services, General Contracting Corp. Schaaf Excavating, and Unis Demolition Co. on Nov. 10 for various asbestos-related violations. The enforcement order assessed a $38,500 civil penalty. The violations stem from the demolition of various blighted properties without the proper asbestos clearances. You can read the entire enforcement action here. Community College of Allegheny County (Boyce Campus) on Nov. 21 for the unauthorized removal of containment barriers and reopening to the public an area being abated for asbestos-containing material. The contractor responsible for the abatement work was CSI construction. You can read the entire enforcement action here. Deller Professional Services on Dec. 14 for removing containment barriers while demolishing a property located at 6338 Shetland Street in Pittsburgh prior to ACHD completing a final inspection. You can read the entire enforcement action here. Kevin Fisher on Dec. 14 for renovating a property located at 5401 Penn Avenue in Pittsburgh and removing potential asbestos-containing material before obtaining an asbestos survey. You can read the entire enforcement action here. West Deer Township and CSI Construction on Nov. 9 for failing to complete proper air sampling, conducting abatement activity without proper public signage, and for the unauthorized removal of containment barriers. All of these violations were related to renovations at three residential properties in the municipality. You can read the entire enforcement action here. ACHD on Dec. 22 issued a scheduling order in the high-profile case against Churchill Community Development and Paradigm Consultants and its chief executive Vikas Jain. Jain in October 2019 pleaded guilty to illegally dumping asbestos-containing material generated during the renovation of the former George Westinghouse Research and Technology Park in Churchill Borough. Jain had been charged with one count of knowingly violating work practice standards of the Clean Air Act following an investigation by the FBI and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  The order scheduled an administrative hearing for 9:30 a.m. Feb. 23 and Feb. 24. You can read more about the case here and here. Breakdown Report Violation ACHD on Dec. 10 issued a notice of violation to Neville Island-based INEOS Composites US LLC located at 2650 Neville Road for failure to timely report a breakdown of air pollution-control equipment. By way of background: The company manufactures and sells a broad range of unsaturated polyester and vinyl ester resins. INEOS on Aug. 26 provided written notice of a breakdown of its Polyester Resin Plant Thermal Oxidizer because of a power outage. The time of the breakdown, though, was from 9:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. Aug. 21. For those who might not be aware: Allegheny County Air Pollution rules require operators responsible for emissions-control equipment to report breakdowns within an hour of them commencing. Written notification of breakdowns is required no later than seven days following the incident. The Nov. 9 notice of violation noted: “The breakdown was not called into the ACHD. In a subsequent communication, an INEOS representative stated that the breakdown was inadvertently called to an incorrect ACHD telephone number; however, no record of such call is available. The ACHD was not notified of the breakdown until the written notification was received.” You can read the entire enforcement action here. Title V Air Quality Permit Bookkeeping Violation Noted ACHD issued a notice of violation against Indianola-based Buckeye Terminal LLC for failing to timely submit its annual Certificate of Compliance as required by its Title V air quality operating permit. You can read the entire enforcement action here. #CSIConstruction #airuality #SchaafExcavating #Asbestos #asbestosabatement #UnisDemolition #INEOSCompositesUS #AlleghenyCountyHealthDepartment #ACM #ACHD #DellerProfessionalServices

The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) has notified U.S. Steel and other major source polluters that emissions mitigation plans submitted to comply with Mon Valley Air Pollution Episode Rules are “unacceptable,” and ordered them to modify and resubmit paperwork or face possible fines. You can read all about that Mon Valley Episode Rule here. In a Jan. 31 Order of Disapproval and Order for Compliance, ACHD notified U.S. Steel that the mitigation plan submitted for its Clairton Coke Works facility was insufficient for myriad reasons. Chief among them: that the 3 percent estimated plantwide reductions in particulate pollution (both PM 10 and PM 2.5) were not great enough. “Source is required to resubmit a plan that will reflect a greater reduction of its actual emissions from (30 listed processes) such that said reductions will have an appreciable effect on air quality…during any air pollution episode,” the order noted. ACHD issued a similar order to the company over mitigation plans submitted for its Edgar Thomson facility in North Braddock – noting among other things that U.S. Steel’s proposed 4 percent reduction in PM10 and PM2.5 are “insufficient.” Orders were also issued to: Clairton Slag in West Elizabeth Township ELG Metals in McKeesport TMS (USX Edgar Thomson) TMS (West Mifflin) The companies have a period of 30 days to either resubmit their plans or appeal the ACHD’s decision. Noncompliance could result in fines of up to $25,000 a day. The orders indicate that the current mitigation plans are to remain in effect until the modified documents are submitted. While GASP appreciates that ACHD appears to be carefully reviewing the mitigation plans and pushing for greater emissions reductions that better protect ambient air quality and public health, we remain disappointed by the lack of transparency. “These mitigation plans are a necessary tool for protecting the public’s health, we don’t see any reason why the health department cannot and should not make these mitigation plans available for public review,” GASP Executive Director Patrick Campbell said. “We encourage the health department to post these plans on its website for transparency’s – and accountability’s – sake.” Rest assured that GASP will continue to press ACHD on this issue and report back to you what we find out. #EdgarThomson #ClairtonSlag #ELGMetals #USSteel #MonValley #emissions #AlleghenyCountyHealthDepartment #ACHD #ClairtonCokeWorks #mitigationplans #MonValleyAirPollutionEpisodeRule #airquality

GASP has been following the soap opera that has become Pennsylvania’s efforts to enter into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (otherwise known as RGGI). Just so everyone is on the same page before we get too much further into this saga: RGGI is a cap-and-trade program that uses a two-pronged approach to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from certain electric generating units (known as EGUs) in participating states. The first prong reduces CO2 emissions by establishing a regional budget for such emissions from units that are subject to the program as well as a statewide budget for each of the participating states. Here’s how it works: Each participating state issues CO2 allowances (with each allowance representing one ton of budgeted CO2 emissions) and sells them through quarterly auctions. Electric generating units subject to the program must purchase a CO2 allowance for each ton of CO2 they will emit. Then, those CO2 allowances may be auctioned across state lines within the participating states. You can get caught up with the legislative and procedural back and forth on our blog. But here’s the most recent crux of the issue: As we told you back in February, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) had filed an action to compel the Legislative Reference Bureau to publish the regulations – the final step to implementing the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative in Pennsylvania. That move prompted the state Commonwealth Court to issue a one-page, unsigned order last week that blocks the Legislative Reference Bureau from publishing the regulations. Then DEP took action, appealing the Commonwealth Court’s decision to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Presumably, the regulations will not take effect pending the Supreme Court’s resolution of this dispute. We’ll continue to keep you posted on new developments as they occur. #airpollution #greenhousegases #RegionalGreenhouseGasInitiative #RGGI #JohnBaillie #emissions #carbondioxide

This Earth Week we wanted to reiterate that the benefits of recycling cannot be understated. It reduces the amount of waste sent to our landfills, conserves natural resources, and prevents pollution by reducing the need for new raw materials. And that’s just the shortlist. Unfortunately, not all municipalities in our region offer weekly pickup of recyclable materials. If you live in one of these neighborhoods, don’t despair: There are many resources in our area where you can take your recyclables. Because it DOES make a difference. Recycling & You The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, for example, reports that residents and businesses recycled more than 5.47 million tons of resources in 2018 (the most recent data available). And those recyclables cut more than 9.2 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions from our air. This number is also equivalent to more than 2 million passenger vehicles taken off the road for one year. Here’s what you need to know if you want to up your recycling game: There are databases and search engines designed to specifically help people find recycling drop-off centers and other resources near them. Check out RecycleSearch, Earth911, Call2Recycle, and Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Check out the resources available here in Allegheny County. The county regularly partners with the PRC to organize collection events. You can check their events calendar to find one near you. There are also periodic Household Chemical Collections and Hard to Recycle / eWaste Collections. Then there’s ReuseFest, a one-day drop-off event for gently used materials destined for reuse by numerous local nonprofit organizations. The Allegheny County Health Department’s recycling division also publishes the Recycling Resource Directory, which gives county residents information about where specific materials can be recycled. In fact, there’s a glass recycling program happening this month. The Importance of Reusing While recycling bottles, cans, and other materials is so important, so is reusing – we’re talking about buying second-hand and so-called upcycling of everyday items like clothing. Why are we talking specifically about your clothes? Because they make a bigger environmental impact than you might think. In the United States, the number of garments purchased by Americans has tripled since the 1970s. Globally, more than 80 billion items of clothing are purchased each year – the majority of which will be thrown in the trash. The World Resources Institute estimates that the so-called “fast fashion” industry each year releases about 1.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. Or to put it another way: In the United States, the number of garments purchased by Americans has tripled since the 1970s. That’s helped lead to a whopping 85 percent of textiles going to the dump each year. And consider this: The equivalent of one garbage truck of clothing is burned or dumped in a landfill every second. The air quality impact is stunning – the World Resources Institute estimates that the fashion industry annually releases about 1.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide. Fortunately, there are many ways each of us can help combat fashion-related waste and pollution. The first is to alter your buying habits. Here are six other ways you can reduce the carbon footprint of your clothing: Be mindful of what clothing you are throwing away. If possible, mend or repair clothing and buy second-hand instead of something new. Ensure your clothing lasts longer. This one is easy – just wash and dry your clothing at lower temperatures and line dry when you can. Look at those tags if you must buy new. Select garments that are well-made and avoid synthetic materials like polyester, which releases nearly three times the carbon emissions of cotton. Normalize second-hand shopping. Check out local thrift, vintage, and consignment shops for new-to-you clothes. Consider donating. There are so many places that accept gently used clothing here locally – so drop them off at a thrift store or nonprofit like Dress for Success. Know that even stained and torn clothing can be repurposed. If your clothes are beyond repair, don’t toss them out – recycle them. Through what’s called textile recycling, otherwise unwearable clothing items are collected and made into other products. Locally, the University of Pittsburgh now has a number of locations to collect textiles. You can read more about that on the Pitt Sustainability website. Support companies that are sustainability champions. Before you make your next purchase, do some research. Check out their website and social media presence to determine if your favorite clothing company takes sustainability seriously. Locally, check out stores like Calligramme, Flux Bene, Idia’Dega, Kelly Lane, Knotzland Bowtie Co., Mossy Lane, and Three Pigs Vintage. Did we forget one of your favorites? Email us at amanda@gasp-pgh.org and we will add it to the blog! Here are some local resources to consider: Dress for Success Pittsburgh East End Community Thrift Goodwill Red, White & Blue Thrift Store Salvation Army St. Vincent de Paul Society To learn more about clothes recycling opportunities, check out these organizations and programs: Blue Jeans Turn Green Project Center for Creative Reuse Construction Junction The Bra Recyclers Council for Textile Recycling Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse Secondary Materials for Recycled Textiles Zero Waste Box Editor’s Note: What sustainability-conscious local companies do you support? Drop us a note in the comments below. #DressforSuccessPittsburgh #airpollution #Goodwill #BlueJeansTurnGreenProject #PittSustainability #fastfashion #CouncilforTextileRecyclers #airquality #ZeroWasteBox

Have yinz taken Allegheny County Health Department’s a community health survey yet? If not, what are you waiting for? For the uninitiated: The community health survey for residents covers a variety of topics such as health care access, chronic disease, health risk behaviors, environment, maternal and child health, and mental health and substance use disorder. ACHD said the survey results will inform it on its progress toward the goals laid out in the Plan for a Healthier Allegheny, a multi-year countywide plan that focuses on physical, behavioral, and environmental health across the county. "Results from this survey will help the Allegheny County Health Department better understand the health needs of our community," said Dr. LuAnn Brink, deputy director for the Allegheny County Health Department Bureau of Data, Reporting & Disease Control. "When Allegheny County residents participate in this survey, it helps us gather the information we need to plan for and take action to improve health equity and ensure that we have a healthier Allegheny County for all." The Public Health Assessment Survey is a web-based survey that is focused on achieving broad and diverse participation among county residents. The survey is compatible with smart phones and will remain open through April 2024. “We hope residents take this opportunity to tell the new administration what a healthier Allegheny looks like to them, to their families, and in their communities,” GASP Executive Director Patrick Campbell said. ACHD hopes to have 3,000 participants from the county's population of almost 1 million adults. Let’s help them get there, fill out the survey here https://bit.ly/pghachd.

GASP was honored to stand alongside U.S. Rep. Summer Lee and fellow clean air advocates today to announce a $40 million federal grant awarded to First Student to purchase100 electric school buses that will dramatically improve air quality, advance environmental justice, and combat climate change statewide. Of the 100 electric buses, 45 will be given to the Pittsburgh Public School District. GASP Executive Director Patrick Campbell was there to celebrate the historic investment and encourage other local school districts to apply for funding in light of the deadline being extended to 4 p.m. Feb. 14 so more Pittsburgh schools are able to improve student health by transitioning from diesel buses to electric school buses - each one of which will remove 23 tons of greenhouse gas every year. Here are his comments from today's press event: It’s an honor to be here to celebrate this tremendous investment - because today isn't just about the acquisition of new eclectic school buses; it's about investing in the health of our children and the lungs of our city. The investment in electric buses is a turning point. For generations diesel buses have spewed harmful pollutants that hurt public health and drive climate change. But imagine buses that leave no exhaust fumes behind. Imagine quieter mornings, free from the rumble of diesel engines. That's the reality electric buses bring. Children - particularly those with asthma and respiratory issues - get to experience the joy of quietly getting to school, and without an asthma attack caused by diesel exhaust. This translates to fewer missed school days, improved lung function, and a healthier childhood overall. Every electric bus on the road means cleaner air for all Pittsburghers - reducing respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and even premature deaths. By embracing electric buses, we are more effective stewards of our environment, leaving a healthier planet for future generations. This isn't about better health alone; it's about transforming our communities into vibrant places that support a good life. Electric buses are quieter, reducing noise pollution in our neighborhoods. They're more efficient, lowering transportation costs and dependence on fossil fuels. They're a practical symbol of innovation, showcasing Pittsburgh's commitment to a sustainable future. This is a chance to set an example, proving that cleaner transportation is not only possible, but essential. Especially in environmental justice communities where these buses travel.  It's an investment in our children, our environment, and our future. Let's embrace this change. Let's celebrate the arrival of these 100 electric buses, not just as vehicles, but as commitment to a healthier, cleaner, and hopeful future for Pittsburgh. Thank you.

The sun is shining in winter in Pittsburgh and we have great news to share! No, you are not dreaming. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in a press release earlier today announced it will lower the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) from a level of 12 micrograms per cubic meter to 9 micrograms per cubic meter. In less mathematical terms, that means the more stringent standard will better protect America’s families, workers, and communities from the dangerous and costly health effects of fine particle pollution, also known as soot. The EPA expects that the change will prevent up to 4,500 premature deaths and 290,000 lost workdays, yielding up to $46 billion in net health benefits in 2032.In addition, for every $1 spent from this action, there could be as much as $77 in human health benefits in 2032, according to the EPA. “Frankly, it will save lives,” GASP Executive Director Patrick Campbell said. “The EPA should be applauded for making good on its commitments to prioritize environmental justice and public health.” You can check out the entire EPA news release here. GASP expects that other aspects of the new rule will start to address historic inequities and injustices, including cleaning up the air in communities of color, fenceline communities, and lower-wealth areas already overburdened by pollution. Editor’s Note: GASP staff is reviewing the new rule - stay tuned, we’ll have an explainer soon!

We wanted to extend a big THANK YOU to everyone who attended our Safe at Home: Understanding Common Environmental Hazards webinar. GASP would be remiss if we didn’t also express our gratitude to our panelists leading our Jan. 30 event. First there was Rhett “The Energy Doctor” Majors, who has been helping people in our area save energy, provide a healthy living environment, and be more comfortable in their homes and businesses for more than three decades. Rhett has been an energy auditor, field supervisor, quality control inspector (QCI), and weatherization director of both utility and weatherization assistance programs. Our Safe at Home webinar also featured Heath Papinchak, who owns and operates Welcome Home, Home Inspections with her wife, Becky. Welcome Home, Home Inspections has offered residential home inspections and various environmental testing such as lead water, mold, and radon for the past eight years. Last but certainly not least, GASP was joined by Nesta Bortey-Sam, an assistant professor dealing with environmental and occupational health at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Public Health. He earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees in environmental chemistry at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology in Ghana and his doctorate in toxicology at Hokkaido University in Japan. If you missed it, no worries: The event recording is now available on GASP’s YouTube channel (go ahead and hit that Subscribe button when you get there!). You can also watch it here: Editor’s Note: We wanted to encourage our friends concerned with indoor air quality to also check out our friends at ROCIS and their FREE air monitoring program.