Fellow Breathers, Air pollution has serious health consequences. Given Allegheny County’s persistent air quality problems, and most recent emissions issues related to the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works fire and its aftermath, local environmental organizations are beefing up efforts to educate folks about what exactly is in the air we breathe, and how air pollution can affect your body. Clean Air Council, in conjunction with GASP and other environmental organizations, is hosting a series of workshops about the topic—and you’re invited. Here’s what you need to know if you want to go: WHEN? 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. June 4 WHERE? Community Economic Development Corporation at 363 Halcomb Ave, Clairton, PA 15025 WHAT? Attendees will have an opportunity to rotate through three air quality-centric presentations from: Dr. Deborah Gentile, who will discuss health issues related to air pollution GASP, which will provide an Air Quality 101 lecture and Air monitoring experts, who will present information about how the technology works and what all is being detected in local air WHO’S INVITED? The event is open to the public. HOW DO YOU REGISTER? Those interested in registering may do so online here. COST? Free Editor’s Note: For more information, check out the Facebook event page for the June 4 event here. #airpollution #USSteel #airmonitoring #AirQuality101 #CleanAirCouncil #ClairtonCokeWorks #Clairton #airquality #DrGentile

Typical raw coke oven gas is largely hydrogen (52 percent-59 percent) and methane (26 percent-33 percent) but among other minor constituents includes 0 percent-1 percent benzene and 0.4 percent-1.2 percent hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-all percent by volume. The raw coke gas stripped of much of the sulfur content is normally burned as fuel for heating in the Clairton batteries, as well as the other U.S. Steel Mon Valley plants. Upon combustion, the remaining hydrogen sulfide component of raw coke gas largely converts to sulfur dioxide (SO2). The benzene constituent normally also passes through pollution treatment. Benzene will diminish in a combustion process as well. Raw coke oven gas containing H2S, benzene and particulates can also leak directly from the battery ovens during coking operations (baking of the coal). Before or after the facility fire, oven leakage of raw coke gas is a pollution issue demanding strong surveillance and remediation. As the days and weeks passed, air pollution control improvements and air quality monitoring included the following: Natural gas which contains fewer pollutants than coke oven gas was blended into the raw coke gas/fuel stream. Flaring (burning) of the untreated coke gas took place at the U.S. Steel Irvin Works flares. All the plants— Clairton, Irvin, and Edgar Thomson—have connected piping to deliver typically stripped coke oven gas/fuel from the coking process. Flaring burned off many of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including some toxics and diluted the combusted coke oven gas emissions with ambient air as the hot emissions plume expanded into the atmosphere. Coking times were extended, which decreased the quantity of raw coke gas created per hour. Two new special purpose air quality monitors measuring SO2, (in Clairton at the Clairton Educational Center and in West Mifflin at the New Emerson Elementary School) were added to existing air quality monitors located at Lincoln, Glassport, North Braddock, Clairton and Liberty. The new Clairton SO2 monitor is a bit upwind of the Clairton Plant if the wind is blowing from a typical southwest direction. According to the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD), the West Mifflin air quality monitor, sited approximately north-north east of the Irvin Works may record emissions flow along the Mon River from the Irvin Works. These new monitors are noted by ACHD to be temporary. Monitor Locations Check out the image below to orient yourself: The Clairton Coke facility is roughly across the river from the Lincoln monitor. Irving plant is across the river from Glassport. The North Braddock monitor is a short distance from Edgar Thomson which would be slightly above this graphic frame and it measures SO2 and particulates. The Liberty air quality monitor is typically in a downwind direction of the Clairton facility. There is a recent privately operated toxics monitor at the ACHD Glassport monitor site. Exceedances of Ambient Standards During the Fire and Repair Period By way of background: SO2 and fine particulates are criteria pollutants known to have significant adverse health effects. Criteria pollutants have health-based concentration limits. The 24–hour average PM2.5 limit and the one-hour sulfur dioxide limit are the air quality standards that have been reported as above or below the standard in Allegheny County Alerts, throughout the repair period. A summary of ACHD activities and public information provided during the repair period can be found here. Following are some key takeaways: The 1-hour SO2 standard is 0.075 parts per million (ppm) or 75 parts per billion (ppb). Sulfur dioxide 1-hour exceedances of the federal standard occurred on six days at the Liberty Monitor from the date of the fire through April 3. Some days had more than one SO2 1-hour exceedance. At the Liberty monitor there was a total of eight one-hour SO2 exceedances. Sulfur dioxide 1-hour exceedances were noted on two days at the North Braddock Monitor during that time period. The 24–hour average fine particulate standard is 35 micrograms per cubic meter. There were three exceedances between the date of the fire and April 3 at the Liberty monitor. There were no SO2 or PM2.5 exceedances at the other Mon Valley monitors during the fire and repair period. Note that all data is tentative until quality is assured. Another perspective on SO2 emissions is the direct facility limits, not at the ambient air quality monitor, but in the air permit issued by the Allegheny County Health Department, (ACHD). There were calculated exceedances of the H2S permit limits of 35 grains/100dscf (grains per hundred dry standard cubic feet) for Clairton Coke Works, Irvin, and Edgar Thomson. For example the H 2S average daily grain loading four days before the fire was 6.08 grains/dscf and 36 days after the fire was 161.97 grains/dscf at batteries 19, 20, B and C (data noted from ACHD Enforcement Order 190202). But What About Other Coke Gas Pollutants Like Benzene, Hydrogen Sulfide and Other Toxics? There has been little mention of two other types of air pollution of concern to most people in the Mon Valley: benzene and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). While neither is a criteria pollutant with a federal health–based standard, benzene and H2S are products of the coking process. They matter in different ways. Benzene is one of the most toxic constituents in coke gas and a known human carcinogen. Hydrogen sulfide has a window–slamming rotten egg odor noticeable at low concentrations—ruining many restful nights and morning walks. Since there are no federal ambient air quality standards for benzene, many states and other agencies have done or collected research to suggest health risk concentration limits for benzene and other toxics. The World Health Organization has noted that “no safe level of exposure can be recommended (for benzene).” More About Benzene Chart 1 is the latest ACHD benzene chart from the Liberty Monitor where a 24-hours charcoal tube sample is taken every 3 days.1 Chart 1 (below) is the latest ACHD benzene chart from the Liberty Monitor, where a 24-hours charcoal tube sample is taken every three days: (Credit: ACHD) The bulk of charcoal tube sampling taken through the repair period in 2019 is not yet available but several days of data and a spike on 12/28 just after the fire can be observed. Note that the Liberty benzene data before the fire has many spikes. One data point is over 10 ppb which would be above the ATSDR suggested (one– 14 day) limit. According to the Allegheny County Air Quality Annual Report for 2017, 1997-2017 Trends, the average benzene concentrations at the Liberty Monitor are as listed in Table 2. Averaging only the available 2018 every third-day charcoal tube measurements gives a preliminary sense of the average benzene concentration for 2018. More About Hydrogen Sulfide Hydrogen sulfide has a Pennsylvania 24-hour standard of 0.005 parts per million (5 parts per billion). This air quality standard has frequently been exceeded at the Liberty monitor—on average about 53 times for years 2013-2017. That pace was slightly less with 12 violations through the fire and repair period ending on April 3, 2019, with some exceptionally high 24-hour averages as seen below. Other Toxics and More The Liberty charcoal tube samples described above for benzene also included analysis for toluene, ethylbenzene, mixed xylenes and naphthalene. Naphthalene is listed by EPA as possibly carcinogenic to humans. Toluene, mixed xylenes and ethylbenzene have not been classified by EPA for carcinogenicity. Measurements at Liberty for the 24-hour charcoal tube samples in 2018 had no measurement for toluene, ethylbenzene or mixed xylenes above 3ppb and many measurements at zero. Naphthalene max day was .37 ppb with most measurements at zero. See ATSDR suggested limits below. Glassport Monitor First Days of Fire and Repair (A different story) The privately operated UV DOAS (Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy) monitor active at the ACHD Glassport monitoring site is a helpful temporary addition to the ACHD monitoring network since the 24-7 flaring was taking place just across the Monongahela River. Among others, sulfur dioxide, benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, p–xylene and naphthalene concentrations were tracked. Following are several charts taken from that data at the time of the fire and several days after included in a presentation at the ACHD’s Criteria Pollutant Subcommittee meeting on May 3, 2019. ACHD noted that “The operator presented this as final ‘adjusted’ data.” The Clairton Coke facility fire and aftermath pollution brought many residents to community meetings to express health concerns and longstanding frustration with U.S. Steel facilities’ air pollution and regulatory noncompliance. The Clairton facility was repaired and able to operate pollution control equipment earlier than expected on April 4. However, there remains enforcement actions, appeals, and several legal actions including the following: 1. Penn Environment, Inc. and Clean Air Council Civil Complaint against U.S. Steel Corporation can be found here: https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/5981009-Clean-Air-Act-Civil-Complaint.html 2. Environmental Integrity Project, the Breathe Project and Clean Air Council, Notice of Intent to Sue United States Steel Corporation can be found here: http://www.environmentalintegrity.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2019.05.02-U.S.-Steel-CERCLA-NOI-FINAL.pdf 3. Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future, GASP (not GASP in Allegheny County), Louisiana Bucket Brigade, and Sierra Club, filed a Complaint For Declaratory and Injunctive Relief against Andrew Wheeler, Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in his official capacity, can be found here: https://earthjustice.org/sites/default/files/files/01_Enviro_Complaint_04-15-2019.pdf 4. Details concerning U.S. Steel and active legal actions brought before the ACHD Hearing Officer can be found at ACHD Legal Docket: https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Health-Department/Resources/Legal/Docket.aspx What’s Next Hopefully, the fire and its consequences were a wake-up call for United States Steel to implement a strong plan to achieve ongoing compliance with air quality standards at its Mon Valley facilities. Even before the fire new and more demanding coke oven regulations were in discussion at ACHD. An answer to the noncompliance and community pollution complaints may be at least partially the new U.S. Steel upgrade proposal announced May 2, 2019. Procedurally, the plan will require permits, which will accompany public comment periods. United States Steel, ACHD, and the public must resolutely determine that air quality compliance will be achieved. It is way past time for our region to have the healthy air quality that is required and that we deserve. Stay tuned for new data during the repair period. #benzene #airpollution #USSteel #LibertyMonitor #airtoxics #IrvinWorks #ClairtonCokeWorks #airquality

Bicyclists rejoice: Friday is National Bike to Work Day! Here at GASP, we’re a fan of initiatives like this – ones that ultimately help improve the area’s air quality. Because here’s the thing about biking to work: Experts indicate that if a person who usually drives an SUV to work each day was able to cycle there instead, it could save almost 2 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. So, whether you’re a seasoned city cyclist or someone who is trying to do what they can to reduce their carbon footprint by foregoing traditional transportation, we want to ensure you’re safe and prepared for the day’s commute. Here are some things to consider before you pedal-push their way to work Friday: Being a responsible bicyclist (or a motorist who encounters people riding their bikes on local through ways) means understanding the law. Before heading out on two-wheels, make sure you familiarize yourself with Pennsylvania’s traffic laws regarding cyclists. Limit your exposure to air pollution, if and when you are able. How? Consider taking side streets where exhaust emissions aren’t as prevalent. If there is wiggle room when it comes to your arrival and departure time, avoiding rush hour traffic can help cut down on your exposure to air toxics. Fewer cars on the road = less emissions you can breathe in. Please, before you embark on your commute via bike, make sure you do your due diligence: If your bike has been in your garage all winter, it’s so important to make sure it’s in working order. Take that bad boy out for a test ride before heading out for your commute to work. Tires full of air? Brakes braking? Chains and bell in working order? You know, the important stuff. Need to fix your bike on the go? No worries – our friends at Bike Pittsburgh put together this resource. What are you wearing? No, seriously. We’re asking because we want to make sure you avoid loose pant legs and other wardrobe choices that could be less than prudent for your commute. Please know we’d totally remiss if we didn’t say, “Make sure to wear something reflective so folks can SEE you.” Also: It should go without saying that your outfit won’t be complete without a helmet (stats show they reduce bike injuries by 85 percent). Carefully consider your route as well as the time it will take to commute via bike. If it’s your first time pedaling your way to the office, check out this great piece. Know that you have an entire community of local cycling enthusiasts to tap for more information, tips, etc. Our friends at Bike Pittsburgh have all the info you need! From all of you to all of us: Have a fantastic Bike to Work Day! #BikePGH #airpollution #emissions #NationalBiketoWorkDay #airquality #carbondioxide

A crowd of residents from Clairton and surrounding communities packed the Church of Jesus Christ on Reed Street for an opportunity to finally share their personal accounts of how air pollution from a Dec. 24 U.S. Steel fire and its aftermath affected their health and well being. One by one the residents rose and made their way to the lectern, telling those in attendance for the listening session about their personal experiences with poor air quality. They talked about itchy eyes and sore throats, ear infections that cropped up out of nowhere, and respiratory infections that just wouldn’t go away —one woman said she was currently on her fourth round of antibiotics. One woman said she’s suffered from congestion and sore throat that has made it painful to speak and difficult to hear. A man told those gathered about how he often can’t go outdoors without the use of a portable air filter mask, and that he feared that he had to choose between his health—and life—or continuing to live in the Clairton home in which he’s long resided. “I spend a lot more time in bed. I have no appetite,” John Perryman told them, beckoning to the baggy pants he was wearing and adding that he had lost 40 pounds since the fire. For about 90 minutes, residents had the opportunity to speak out, as well as ask questions to representatives of the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD), and experts invited by Clean Air Council and Citizens for Clean Air, which co-hosted the event with support from other area environmental organizations. Many residents spoke out about recent health ailments for which their doctors could name no cause. Others mentioned their frustration with U.S. Steel’s ongoing history of non-compliance with air quality regulations. Still, others voiced concern and anger over what they called a string of broken promises by the steel-making giant—that it would provide free health screenings for affected residents; it would clean up its environmental act, and be a good neighbor. “If U.S. Steel were good neighbors they would care about what they are doing to us,” resident Melanie Meade said. Myriad speakers acknowledged that they, or members of their family, had been longtime U.S. Steel employees and wondered publicly whether the serious illnesses they later suffered—cancers, respiratory diseases, and various forms of leukemia—could have been caused by exposure to air pollution there. There is no residual complaint, which is why my patient continues to take the medication after 15 months. Then, during a question-and-answer period, residents asked ACHD officials why there was a two-week delay in informing the public about the fire and associated air quality issues, pressing them about how communications can be more efficiently handled in the future. “We hear you,” a health department spokesman told them. The evening ended with a call for residents to stand united in their fight for better air quality, to stay engaged, and to continue to arm themselves with information related to air pollution. All were invited to a set of workshops slated from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. June 4 at the Community Economic Development Corp. in Clairton to learn about the health impacts of air pollution. Attendees will have an opportunity to rotate through three air quality presentations: Dr. Deborah Gentile will discuss health issues related to air pollution Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP), which will provide an Air Quality 101 lecture, and Air quality monitoring experts will present about how the technology works and what is being detected in local air GASP live-streamed the event, which can be viewed in its entirety here. Editor’s Note: We will be including media coverage links below. Here’s what’s been published so far on the event: Clairton, PA, wants to be clear: Residents demand accountability from U.S. Steel, Environmental Health Project #airpollution #USSteel #airmonitoring #AirQuality101 #DeborahGentile #CleanAirCouncil #CitizensforCleanAir #AlleghenyCountyHealthDepartment #ACHD #ClairtonCokeWorks #Clairton #airquality

A recent report published by Clean Water Action details the history of violations of the federal Clean Air Act standards in the Mon Valley over the past 12 years. The results found air quality monitors in the Mon Valley recorded some of the worst air, not just in Allegheny County, but throughout Pennsylvania. The report details the failure to protect Mon Valley residents from illegal levels of both sulfur dioxide and fine particles, or breathable soot. More than 400 exceedances of federal standards for these types of air pollution have been recorded by air quality monitors in the Mon Valley since the EPA established the health-based standards in 2006. “This report makes clear that both industry and government have failed to protect Mon Valley residents. When we know that this pollution, especially from U.S. Steel, is harming people, it should not take a decade to act. There is talk of how we are improving, but in 2018 the Mon Valley clearly had the worst air in Pennsylvania,” stated Myron Arnowitt, Pennsylvania director for Clean Water Action. Among the key findings of the study: There have been 402 exceedances of federal air quality standards for sulfur dioxide and fine particles at Mon Valley monitors since the standards were set in 2006 (for particles) and 2010 (for SO2).  This represents 91 percent of the exceedances in Allegheny County. In 2018, the Mon Valley recorded 18 exceedances for fine particle and sulfur dioxide standards. This is three times as many exceedances for the rest of the state combined. Mon Valley residents are older, poorer, and more likely to be African-American than residents living in other parts of Allegheny County. EPA has identified over 40 percent of Mon Valley residents as being in groups considered vulnerable to the health effects of breathing high levels of air pollution such as sulfur dioxide and fine particles. The exceedances detailed in the report are for the daily fine particle standard and the one-hour sulfur dioxide standard. Violations of these short-term air quality standards are often the triggers for significant health events from asthma attacks to heart attacks. EPA has estimated that the health care savings from complying with these standards are 2-5 times higher than the cost of implementing proper air pollution controls. U.S. Steel announced recently that it is planning a large-scale investment in its Edgar Thompson Works in Braddock, and building a new power plant in Clairton utilizing coke oven gas. The continued reliance on coke production at their Clairton Coke Works without a needed overhaul of the 20th century coke ovens does not suggest air quality improvements for Clairton, Clean Water Action said in a press release. “While U.S. Steel has fixed fire damage at the Clairton Coke Works, this report makes clear that the long-standing pollution problems from US Steel remain to be tackled.  Simply burning coke oven gas for electricity will not protect residents from the many pollution sources at the Clairton Coke Works,” Arnowitt said. He continued: “U.S. Steel has the resources to both produce steel and protect residents.  Why is the Mon Valley being left behind, when other industries and places have cleaned up?  This is an environmental injustice that has gone on for too many years and needs urgent action, not just business as usual.” Editor’s Note: You can access the full report on the Clean Water Action website. #airpollution #sulfurdioxide #USSteel #MonValley #RachelFilippini #CleanWaterAction #EdgarThompsonplant #Braddock #Clairton #airquality

Congratulations are in order for GASP Executive Director Rachel Filippini, who was named one of “25 Essential Pittsburghers” for her work on “the forefront of the battle for clean air.” NEXTpittsburgh, which compiled the list of honorees, shared this comment from one of Filippini’s nominators: “Rachel has been dedicatedly fighting to protect our air and water for years and without fanfare — and deserves some.” GASP couldn’t agree more. “It’s been a pleasure working with Rachel over the years. She’s deeply concerned about air quality and has become one of our region’s most effective advocates,” GASP board President Jonathan Nadle said. “She directs GASP with professionalism and care, creating a welcoming environment for staff and a great working relationship with the board.” He continued: “Her effective leadership allows GASP to wield an outsize influence, ensuring supporters get the biggest bang for their buck.” Filippini started at GASP in 2001, ascending to executive director in 2004. During her tenure here, she has been a changemaker. She spearheaded new Allegheny County air quality legislation, beefed up GASP’s work in local schools and communities, and helped take the lead on getting Clean Construction legislation passed in the City of Pittsburgh and beyond—all while keeping air pollution issues in the public spotlight. Thanks to her leadership, GASP has developed a comprehensive diesel program, as well as the Athletes United for Healthy Air campaign. It’s not just GASP and NEXTpittsburgh that has lauded her work and leadership: In 2009, Filippini was named one of Pittsburgh’s “40 Under 40.” Then in 2011, she was honored with one of the Women and Girls Foundation’s “Women Greening the Pittsburgh Region.” She has also served on Allegheny County’s Air Pollution Control Advisory Committee since 2017 and currently serves on the board of Pittsburgh United. Filippini said the recognition came as a very pleasant surprise. “I’m honored to be listed alongside so many dynamic area leaders—people who have done, and continue to do, so much to improve the city we all call home,” she said. #AthletesUnitedforHealthyAir #airpollution #RachelFilippini #diesel #CleanConstruction #airquality

GASP needs your help to send a message to the Allegheny County Health Department that enough is enough: The public deserves a substantive update on the air quality issues revolving around U.S. Steel’s Edgar Thomson Works facility. Read and sign our petition below. Editor's Note: The deadline to sign the petition has passed. Thank you to everyone who signed! #noticeofviolation #airpollution #USSteel #AlleghenyCountyHealthDepartment #EdgarThomsonPlant #ACHD #airquality

A reddish-brown plume emanating from U.S. Steel’s Edgar Thomson Plant Wednesday evening prompted questions and complaints from nearby residents and clean air groups. Video on the Breathe Project’s Breathe Cam captured video of the emissions, which spewed from one of the plant’s stacks around 6:43 p.m. June 17. GASP was among those who reported the incident to the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) and reached out to U.S. Steel via social media to ask what had happened. While U.S. Steel has stayed mum on the cause of the emissions, ACHD on Friday morning tweeted: #USSteel #emissions #AlleghenyCountyHealthDepartment #EdgarThomsonPlant #ACHD

The American Lung Association released its annual air quality report. Read press release here #airquality #AmericanLungAssociation #StateoftheAirreport

Erie Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a resolution taking a formal position on what it called “toxic pollution emerging from the Erie Coke Plant.” Here’s a great summary of the associated meeting from GoErie.com: “Janice Etchison wanted to make one thing clear to Erie City Council members as she stepped to the microphone.The concerns that she and others share about how Erie Coke Corp. operates are “not just an eastside issue,” Etchison told council members at City Hall on Wednesday morning. “This is a serious concern for the whole city.”Etchison, who lives on East Ninth Street, is a member of an Erie community organization, Hold Erie Coke Accountable, that has been closely monitoring environmental regulation issues at Erie Coke, located at the foot of East Avenue.The group also applauded Erie City Councilwoman Kathy Schaaf, who sponsored a resolution requesting that council send a formal letter to the state’s Department of Environmental Protection “regarding the toxic pollution emerging from” Erie Coke’s plant.” Here is the letter council approved to send to the Department of Environmental Protection’s Northwest Regional Office about the matter: “We, the City Council Members of the City of Erie, Pennsylvania, unite this April 4th, 2019 to stand behind and support the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the EPA as it works to ensure compliance with environmental regulations that serve to protect the public, our investments, and safeguard Erie as a great place to live work and play. Whereas City Council sees the DEP and EPA continually bring to our attention, the media, and citizens of Erie concerns for the on-going violations incurred by Erie Coke Corporation located at 925 East Bay Drive Erie, Pennsylvania 16512; Whereas City Council watches during this critical period of heightened scrutiny while DEP reviews Erie Coke’s re-application for both its required federal Clean Air Act Title V Operating Permit for air pollutants and Clean Water Act National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit for discharge of pollutants into our waters, we urge Erie Coke to fully disclose information and data as required; Whereas as a City Council body we acknowledge complaints by citizens of Erie that downwind, foul odor permeate their homes and soot and black smoke visibly emit from the plant;Whereas City Council confirms the health and wellness of our citizens are paramount to us and gives this the highest priority; Whereas City Council affirms that our citizens and community deserve the right to live without the toxic pollution that could possibly one day make them fall ill to debilitating illness, cancer or death;We as City Council urge all Erieites to be in touch with the DEP with any concerns or information, and any detection of emissions and odors regarding Erie Coke. Be ready to participate in public meetings and a hearing that the DEP will conduct in Erie as part of the DEP’s promised process in a review of Erie Coke’s permit applications; We as City Council commend the DEP’s enhanced review of Erie Coke’s permits which has been elevated to an “Enhanced Public Participation” process per the Environmental Justice Policy in recognition of the decades of the plant’s violations and the sensitive, low income downwind communities; We as a City Council body demand that the Erie Coke Plant be held accountable to all DEP and EPA regulations, to upgrade its facility as required or shut down their plant;We as City Council believe Erie’s future resides on the quest for high quality of life and it is essential that our workers and residents are afforded safe and healthful conditions essential to prosper and thrive; We as City Council understand that  Erie’s economic and social equity aspirations don’t equate with news of repeated industrial violations, daily sooty airborne stains wafting over our waterfront and neighborhoods, and foul odors that cause residents to retreat into their homes and offices; With this resolution the Erie City Council desires for our business community and residents to know that we are standing up for a prosperous and healthy Erie as a 21st-century city of choice.” For more information on the recent administrative order DEP filed against Erie Coke Works, check out our blog. For more information on a community event being held jointly by HECA and GASP, the details are here. #DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection #ErieCokeCorp #HECA #HoldErieCokeAccountable