Chief Executive Rich Fitzgerald this week announced an investment in locally-generated clean energy, with Allegheny County entering into a 35-year agreement with Boston-based Rye Development to purchase renewable energy generated by a low-impact hydropower facility. Rye, which also has an office in Pittsburgh, will construct the facility on the Ohio River. In a press release Fitzgerald said for each year the agreement is in effect, Allegheny County will offset emissions equivalent to the entire electrical consumption of more than 3,400 households. Over the life of the agreement, the county’s purchases will offset more than 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions, roughly equal to 2.6 billion miles driven in a typical passenger vehicle. “This announcement renews our commitment to the environment, our commitment to addressing climate change and is an investment in our future generations,” he said. The release touted the agreement as a “significant step forward in the county’s continued commitment to sustainability and renewable energy.” “We commend Allegheny County for its commitment to a large-scale renewable energy project and the leadership they’ve taken to address climate change locally,” GASP Executive Director Rachel Filippini said. The collaboration with Rye addresses one of the largest challenges to expanding access to renewable energy, particularly locally-generated clean energy: Capacity. The long-term commitment and partnership with Rye advance the goal of a community powered by 100 percent renewable energy. The hydropower facility will be located at the existing Emsworth Main Channel Dam on the Ohio River. The hydropower project is scheduled to begin construction in late 2021 and is expected to be operational as early as mid-2023. There will be no impact on the recreational use of the waterways as a result of the project. “Allegheny County continues to demonstrate its leadership with forward-thinking projects that benefit residents, the environment, and the local economy,” said Joylette Portlock, Ph.D., Executive Director of Sustainable Pittsburgh. “Investing in large scale renewable energy is a major step towards responsibly addressing climate change in southwestern Pennsylvania and invests in the health and the future of our communities.” Editor’s Note: You can read Allegheny County’s entire news release here. #airquality #AlleghenyCounty #alleghenycountyairquality #emissions

Allegheny County Health Department is now seeking public comment on several air quality permits. Two notices were published in late January with comments being accepted for the first batch of permits through Feb. 22. Another set of air quality permits will be out for public comment through March 15. Of particular interest are permits for U.S. Steel’s Mon Valley Works facilities. The installation permit for the proposed Co-Generation Plant at the Clairton Coke Works is among them. You can read the installation permit here and the installation permit review memo here. By way of background: The co-gen plant will use coke oven gas created at the plant to generate electricity. The plant should become electrically independent as a result of the project and may be able to export power to the grid. “Three of the plant’s six existing boilers will be shut down permanently by the project; the remaining three boilers will be operated only on a limited basis,” senior attorney John Baillie explained. Also out for public comment at the Clairton plant is the installation permit for its Pushing Emissions Control (PEC) Baghouse Replacement project. You can read that installation permit here and the installation permit review memo here. The PEC baghouse system controls pushing emissions from batteries 13-15, 19, and 20. U.S. Steel has maintained that the new system will reduce pushing emissions from those batteries – which are largely fugitive emissions – by capturing them and routing them through a baghouse and out of a stack. However, permitted emissions will increase as a result of the project. Another U.S. Steel installation permit is for an endless rolling caster at the Edgar Thomson facility. It can be viewed here and the associated review memo can be reviewed here. The endless caster and roller will replace two existing continuous strand casters at Edgar Thomson and likely render obsolete a hot strip mill at U.S. Steel’s Irvin Works. In addition, ACHD is also seeking public input on the draft installation permit for emergency generators at Edgar Thomson. You can read that installation permit here and the associated review memo here. “We think it is important to point out that while these permits are now in public comment, U.S. Steel continues to waver on their commitment to moving forward with them,” GASP Executive Director Rachel Filippini said, referencing recent media reports. GASP is currently reviewing the permits and will likely submit formal comments. We will share those when they are available. #USSteel #airqualitypermit #IrvinWorks #airqualitypermits #EdgarThomsonPlant #ClairtonCokeWorks #airquality #MonValleyWorks

This investigation is necessary to identify the nature and extent of hazardous substances in soils, sediment, and water at the property in anticipation of its cleanup and reuse. In addition, the investigation will help determine the sources of contamination and the extent of risk to the public health, safety, or welfare, or the environment, DEP said in a press release Monday. The Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act (HSCA) provides DEP with the funding and authority to conduct cleanup actions at sites where hazardous substances have been released. HSCA allows the DEP to investigate or address contamination in soil, surface water, sediment, and subsurface groundwater. HSCA also provides DEP with enforcement authority to force the persons who are responsible for releases of hazardous substances to conduct cleanup actions or to repay public funds spent on a DEP-funded cleanup action. “DEP is pursuing this site investigation to help identify potential contamination and harmful threats to human health and the environment,” said DEP Northwest Regional Director Erin Wells. “This investigation will provide a solid foundation to guide remediation and future redevelopment at the site.” With this announcement, DEP has begun the process of engaging DEP-approved contractors to begin the investigation. This process includes: preparing a scope of work meeting with the assigned contractor on-site then having the contractor prepare a work plan and cost estimate for the DEP’s review and approval prior to any investigation activities The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which began operations on-site in September 2020, has removed and disposed of wastes, demolished buildings, recycled appropriate scrap materials, and is actively mitigating risks associated with remaining tanks, containers, and piping posing the greatest threat to public health, welfare, and the environment. EPA’s removal actions at the Erie Coke, Inc. property are to be completed this summer. GASP, which worked closely with community group Hold Erie Coke Accountable to inform the Erie community about air quality issues in general, as well as Erie Coke’s history of environmental violations, lauded the announcement. “Erie Coke left a huge mess for the public to clean up,” GASP Executive Director Patrick Campbell said. “We hope DEP uses its authority to ensure the public doesn’t bear the financial burden for Erie Coke’s dereliction.” #HoldingErieCokeAccountable #ErieCoke #HazardousSiteCleanupAct #ErieCokecleanup #DEP #EPA

The Allegheny County Health Department on April 1 issued a Notice of Violation against U.S. Steel for hydrogen sulfide exceedances that occurred at the Liberty monitor. The NOV covers 25 exceedances, which occurred in 2020 and seven to date in 2021. The notice is the first step for any enforcement action, including civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation per day, for sources. Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas most commonly recognized by its “rotten egg” smell. U.S. Steel has 14 days to schedule a meeting with ACHD to discuss the NOV before legal may proceed with further enforcement action. The last exceedance of the H2S standard occurred March 25 at the  North Braddock and Liberty monitors. There was also another insane one-hour value (0.081 ppm) at North Braddock – which is the second-worst one-hour value since Jan. 2016 for all ACHD h2s monitors. “GASP thanks ACHD for taking action on these hydrogen sulfide issues,” GASP Executive Director Rachel Filippini said. “They happen far too often, impacting the day-to-day lives of residents in the Mon Valley and beyond.” Check back – this is a developing story that will be updated when more information becomes available. #H2Sexceedances #hydrogensulfide #USSteel #ClairtonCokeWorks #airquality

Dear Fellow GASPers, Poet TS Eliot wrote, “To make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from.” That resonates with us here at GASP, which is nearing the end of an era – one led by Rachel Filippini. For those who may not have heard: Rachel, who served as our executive assistant and education coordinator prior to ascending to the position of executive director 17 years ago, will depart GASP in mid-September to pursue the next chapter in her personal and professional life. We wish Rachel well and are so grateful for her service and dedication to GASP and its mission. Over the years, she spearheaded Allegheny County air quality legislation, increased GASP’s educational programming, creatively collaborated with myriad organizations to increase awareness, and continued to keep air pollution issues in the public eye. She worked hard to help people from all walks of life better understand how air quality impacts them, and how to take action in their own communities. Her steadfast commitment to improving the air we all breathe spurred real change in Allegheny County and beyond. The end of Rachel’s tenure marks the beginning of a new era at GASP, one during which we will work to meet the goals set forth in an ambitious strategic plan initiated earlier this year. We are currently screening candidates and will keep you posted as the process proceeds. While Rachel wishes she could see and hug all of you at a big going-away celebration, given current pandemic realities, it’s just not in the cards. Instead, she asks GASP supporters who wish to honor her to consider making a donation to help our new leader hit the ground running. Starting this new era on sound financial footing will ensure our ability to continue pushing for updated coke oven regulations, strong episodic weather rules, and carry on our important education, legal, and watchdog work. Big or small, all donations are graciously accepted. You can make a one-time or recurring donation in honor of Rachel’s work and legacy on our website via PayPal or by check via snail mail. Our address is 1133 S Braddock Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15218. If you would prefer, our office manager Kathy Lawson can process your credit card donation over the phone – just email her at kathy@gasp-pgh.org. We look forward to entering this new era with you. Warmest Regards, GASP President Jonathan Nadle

Clairton Park came alive Saturday with a unique blend of hip hop and puppetry thanks to Tarish “Jeghetto” Pipkins, an internationally renowned artist and puppeteer who performed a special homecoming show – one that thrilled both adults and children alike. GASP was honored to sponsor the show, which featured puppets Pipkins crafted using mostly recycled materials. And those in attendance didn’t have to settle for a view from afar: Jeghetto climbed off the stage and walked through the audience to show off the creations and help folks understand how they worked. But Pipkin’s puppets weren’t the only ones that wowed last weekend: GASP’s own Dirty Gertie the Poor Polluted Birdie (played by our friend Dave English, a local artist, educator, and puppeteer), flagged by one of our education specialists, was on hand to help those in attendance understand a little more about the importance of clean air. PS: We want to extend a HUGE thank you to the fine folks at Hollowood Music in McKees Rocks, who graciously lent us the stage on which Jeghetto performed. Thanks, Hollowood Music! If you missed it, here are some photos and video clips from the big day: #airpollution #TarishPipkins #DirtyGertie #DaveEnglish #Jeghetto #Clairton #airquality

Even those of us who don’t live near or downwind of an industrial source of air pollution have at some point likely looked at emissions being belched from a facility and asked, “Is that even permitted?” You can learn the answer to that question and more at an upcoming smoke reading course. Not familiar with smoke reading? Then let’s take a step back to explain: “Smoke readers” is a general term for volunteers who are trained and certified to recognize and understand visible emissions from sources such as smokestacks, as well as what violations look like, and how to make reports. “Many are surprised to learn that this is the same training received by Allegheny County Visible Emissions Inspectors,” GASP Executive Director Rachel Filippini noted. Our project manager Sue Seppi, a longtime smoke reader, said attending the training is an excellent way for citizens to take action in their own communities by reading visible emissions at the facilities that are of concern to them. “The reality is local inspectors can’t be at every facility at all times,” she said. “Readings from volunteers who are trained and certified as smoke readers  may help increase regulatory scrutiny on air polluters.” Sound like something you or someone you know would be interested in? Then we have good news for you: Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) is covering the cost of the training put on by Eastern Technical Associates – but please know spots for this opportunity are extremely limited. Once your training is complete, the GASP team can pick up from there to get you started with actual observations in your community. The next two-day training is scheduled for late September. The first session is a live webinar held at 9 a.m. every Monday and Tuesday. Participants will spend the second session in the field on either Sept. 29 or Sept. 30. The field instruction registration begins at 8 a.m. and consists of multiple hourly field observation periods called runs. Complete one hourly observation successfully and you are done and will receive certification. Certification lasts six months. You can get more details on the Eastern Technical Associates website or email sue@gasp-pgh.org for details. #SmokeReaders #airpollution #emissions #AlleghenyCountyHealthDepartment #ACHD #airquality #EasternTechnicalAssociates #SmokeSchool

GASP’s resident smoke reader and longtime project manager Sue Seppi snapped into action, reviewing Breathe Cam footage of the facility, noting that thick black smoke and flames were visible around 10:15 a.m. that Thursday, Aug. 19. Then on Saturday and Tuesday, the Mon Valley experienced two more exceedances of Pennsylvania’s 24-hour standard of 0.005 ppm for hydrogen sulfide (AKA H2S, also known by its pungent rotten-egg odor). That makes 35 such exceedance at the Liberty monitor so far this year. There have been 12 others in North Braddock. These two latest incidents again underscore the need for local and federal regulators to be transparent with the public about what exactly is going on at U.S. Steel’s Mon Valley Works in general and its Edgar Thomson plant specifically. “The Coke Works was the subject of an H2S-related enforcement action just this past April, while it’s been almost four years since the EPA and ACHD initiated enforcement action against the company for ongoing emissions issues at the Braddock facility,” GASP Executive Director Rachel Filippini said. “Despite these ongoing and sometimes high-profile incidents, regulators have remained tight-lipped while residents continue to suffer from malodors and more.” What *do* we know about what happened with this latest incident at Edgar Thomson? Only what WESA reported on Friday after seeing one of GASP’s tweet about the matter and asking some questions to U.S. Steel and ACHD: “Unfortunately, this lack of transparency has been par for the course when it comes to incidents at U.S. Steel’s Edgar Thomson plant. The public is still waiting to know what happened with a 2017 Notice of Violation filed against the company by the health department and the EPA,” Filippini said. “That was supposed to be the first step in the process of getting the facility back into compliance with air quality regulations, but residents have heard nothing since then.” Hundreds of residents last year joined GASP in demanding ACHD release a substantive public update regarding what upgrades, maintenance, and management changes, and fines U.S. Steel would be facing. A health department official at the time said in an email response to the Post-Gazette: “Due to [the] current case initiated and ongoing by the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency involving U.S. Steel in which the Allegheny County Health Department is a co-plaintiff, ACHD will not be commenting on this matter.” So we hope you will join us now in calling for transparency and accountability when it comes to the Mon Valley’s most egregious air polluter and sign our petition to the EPA. “How many more incidents do we have to deal with before we get some answers?” Filippini asked. “Nearly four years is far too long to keep the public in the dark about something that impacts people’s health and quality of life.” #H2S #USSteel #hydrogensulfideexceedance #emissions #AlleghenyCountyHealthDepartment #EdgarThomsonPlant #ACHD #ClairtonCokeWorks #MonValleyWorks

Good news: Changes to local air pollution regulations aimed at reducing particulate matter in the Mon Valley during periods of stagnant weather patterns – which are often a driver of subpar air quality and exceedances of state and federal standards – are one step closer to final approval. Allegheny County Council on Tuesday referred the measure to the Health and Human Services Committee for a recommendation. For those who might not be familiar: The proposed reg will require facilities in the defined Mon Valley area that produce more than 6.5 tons of pm2.5 annually and/or more than 10 tons of pm10 annually to create and submit to ACHD “Mitigation Plans” for periods when poor air quality is forecast. ACHD predicts this will affect 18 facilities in the 32 listed municipalities. During the “Watch” phase, facilities such as U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works must conduct basic checks to ensure equipment is in good working order but also ensure they have adequate staff to take actions required under the “Warning” phase. Once a “Warning” is issued, facilities must undertake the actions listed in the mitigation plans they filed with ACHD. The particular actions will be specific to each facility and approved on a case-by-case basis. The bulk of the regulation addresses industrial sources of particulate matter pollution, but the proposed change will also ban all wood-burning activities when a Mon Valley Air Pollution Watch or Warning has been issued in the defined municipalities. “As we’ve expressed in the past: This new rule is by no means everything we’d hoped it would be but moving forward is better than stagnating on this front,” Filippini said. “We have to start somewhere because these poor-air episodes happen too often and impact the health of far too many right here right now.  The proof will be in the specific mitigation actions proposed by affected industries and if they are robustly enforced.” #AlleghenyCountyCouncil #alleghenycountyairquality #AlleghenyCountyHealthDepartment #episodicairpollutionregulations #ACHD

Vintage photographs like these capture the way intense smog blotted out the sun on all-too-many Pittsburgh mornings. Members of GASP (and those who follow us) have heard plenty about the ways in which regional air quality has been impacted by industrial bad actors like U.S. Steel and its Mon Valley Works facilities. As an air quality watchdog group from way back (1969, to be exact), GASP has been witness to decades of drama between the steel-making giant and the government agencies tasked with regulating it. We helped lead the charge against U.S. Steel and other polluters when their smokestacks belched out so much air pollution that Pittsburgh was famously referred to as “hell with the lid off.” We were there in the 1970s when a killer inversion prompted the first of what would be decades of discussion about the need to mitigate air pollution during episodic weather events. Fast forward to 2019, and GASP was among those demanding answers in the wake of a Christmas Eve fire that ripped through U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works, knocking out air pollution-control devices for more than three months (and all the things that followed *that*). GASP was NOT there, however, for the U.S. Steel origin story – during those first days and decades of the company’s presence here in our region. And that’s a story worth learning about and better understanding. That’s why we’re honored to co-sponsor an event that explores the relationship between Pittsburgh, U.S. Steel, and the people and places that have figured prominently in the past 120 years of the company’s existence. So please mark your calendars for, “Community Voices: Pittsburgh, the United States Steel Corporation, and 120 Years of Extraction” from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 7. The virtual event will feature the work of our friend Chie Togami, a University of Pittsburgh World History Center Graduate Student Assistant in Public History. Chie will lead a virtual presentation and conversation about her three-part podcast series, “Extraction,” which explores the “world-historical connections between Pittsburgh, the U.S. Steel Corporation, and people and places around the world that have figured deeply into the legacy of this transnational corporation.” “The roots of this project began with my own embodied experience with air quality, and my quest to understand how, in the year 2021, a corporation like U.S. Steel could continue to poison an entire region,” Chie said. “As activists, we often hear the phrase ‘all systems of oppression are connected.’ As this project shows, a major reason why air pollution is such an intractable issue is that it is inseparable from a host of historic and contemporary systems of injustice–from peonage to white supremacy, to imperialism, to capitalism.” The event will feature a panel of local activists featured in the podcast. You can get more details and register for the Oct. 7 event. #airpollution #UniversityofPittsburghWorldHistoryCenter #USSteel #UnitedStatesSteelCorp #Pittsburghairquality #ChieTogami #alleghenycountyairquality