The Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP) has a legacy of strong women, with many serving as board members, staff members, and spokeswomen throughout the history of our organization. At our upcoming 50th Anniversary Celebration on Oct. 12, we’d like to celebrate contemporary women in environmental fields while commemorating Michelle Madoff, our founder and first president. This is where you come in. GASP is seeking nominations for outstanding women in the fields of business, community organizing, education, media, and medicine to each receive the Michelle Madoff Award of Environmental Excellence. These awards will be presented to women who are currently working to improve the environment of southwestern Pennsylvania: Business – The award will honor the owner, manager, or sustainability coordinator for a large or small local business. To her, business as usual includes being as eco-friendly and efficient as possible and minimizing environmental impacts while keeping customers happy. Community Organizing – The award will celebrate a woman who brings people together in the fight for a healthy environment. As an activist, local politician, or non-profit employee, she inspires people to take action and make their voices heard. Education – This awardee understands the importance of connecting people with nature. In her classroom, after school program, or non-profit office, she knows that creating stewards and activists is a priority for the health of the environment around us. Media – This award will honor a female member of the media who shares important news about the state of the environment. She keeps people up to date with the facts and digs deep on pollution issues, climate change, or relevant legislation. She may share her story on the local TV news, in the newspaper, on the radio, or on her blog. Medicine – This award will celebrate a doctor, nurse, or researcher who helps connect medical symptoms to possible environmental causes. She doesn’t just treat patients, she helps bring attention to relationships between a person’s health and their surroundings. GASP’s events committee reserves the right to choose which among the nominees will win each category. The deadline to make a nomination is June 30. Please note that the names and contact information of those making nominations will remain confidential. Making a nomination is simple: Just fill out the questions on this Google form or email amanda@gasp-pgh.org the following information: Your name and contact information Award category Name of nominee, as well as their job title and place of employment Summary of why you believe they deserve to win the Michelle Madoff Award of Environmental Excellence. #airquality #MichelleMadoff #MichelleMadoffAwardsofEnvironmentalExcellence #nominations

Common Pleas Judge Christine Ward on March 29 overruled preliminary objections filed by Allegheny County in a lawsuit filed by Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP) and Clean Air Council questioning the funding sources for a proposed renovation project at the county health department’s (ACHD) Clack Campus. In seeking to have portions of—and parties to—the case dismissed, the county put forth chilling arguments concerning who may challenge its actions and suggests that ACHD should be given absolute deference in making certain decisions. The ruling did not include a detailed opinion, but Ward’s ruling affirmed that GASP and Clean Air Council are the proper parties to bring this case and that we have raised questions about ACHD’s use of the relevant funds that should be decided in a court of law. Clean Air Council and GASP filed the lawsuit in July 2018 to prevent the County from misusing funds otherwise designated for protecting and improving air quality in Allegheny County.  The reason for the lawsuit is clear: millions of dollars from the Clean Air and Title V Funds must instead be spent protecting residents’ health by: Implementing more projects like university studies of local air pollution Upgrading dirty diesel bus and construction equipment engines Making improvements in permitting, inspecting, testing, and enforcing Title V regulations for major sources of air pollution “There is no timetable for a final decision on the matter but for now, we are happy that the Court affirmed our right to question how ACHD does business,” GASP Executive Director Rachel Filippini said.  “We just won a small victory, but it is a significant victory.” Clean Air Council staff attorney Christopher Ahlers echoed that sentiment. “We are pleased this case is going forward,” he said. “Air quality is very important to the lives of people in the community. We believe the funds should be spent to improve air quality in Allegheny County.” #airpollution #CleanAirCouncil #RachelFilippini #CommonPleasJudgeChristineWard #AlleghenyCountyHealthDepartment #CleanAirFund

The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) on April 1 announced via a press release that it had levied a fine of $707,568 against U.S. Steel for the third and fourth quarters of 2018 because of continued emissions problems at the Clairton Coke Works facility. This marks the third civil penalty levied against U.S. Steel since June of 2018, totaling more than $2 million. This latest civil penalty is separate from all other enforcement actions and legal matters that ACHD and U.S. Steel are actively involved in since the beginning of 2017. Following is a summary of those matters: On Nov. 9, 2017, ACHD and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a joint notice of violation against U.S. Steel’s Edgar Thomson facility for repeated exceedances of visible emissions and violations of its Title V permit. The U.S. Department of Justice is involved, and fines will eventually be split between ACHD and the EPA. On June 28, 2018, ACHD issued an enforcement order against U.S. Steel that also included a civil penalty of more than $1 million because of a decrease in compliance over time at its Clairton Coke Works. Terms of the order included that if U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works does not improve violations in two sequential quarters of 2019 (Jan 1-June 30), two of the worst performing batteries will be put on hot idle. U.S. Steel appealed this order and it is currently in the appeals process with the hearing officer. A written decision will be issued in the future. On Oct. 18, 2018, the Allegheny County Health Department issued an additional civil penalty, a fine of $620,316, against U.S. Steel for continued emissions problems for the second quarter of 2018 at the Clairton Coke Works facility, as there was an increase in the number of violations over the previous quarter. U.S. Steel has appealed this civil penalty. A hearing to determine the merits of the appeal will be held on June 17, 2019 (date subject to change). On Feb. 28, 2019, ACHD issued an enforcement order against U.S. Steel’s Mon Valley Works (Edgar Thomson Plant, Irvin Plant and Clairton Coke Works) for continued Article XXI permit violations for daily sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions after the Dec. 24, 2018, fire occurred at the Clairton Coke Works. On March 12, 2019, ACHD revised its enforcement order. The action was taken in response to information submitted by U.S. Steel on March 7, 2019, demonstrating that portions of the February 28th order could result in greater short-term emissions. Per the revised order, U.S. Steel is required to extend coking times to 27 hours, have specific equipment operational by April 1, 2019, and have 100 percent desulfurization back online by April 15, 2019. Additional enforcement actions will follow if these deadlines are not met. Once repairs to the Clairton Coke Works made necessary by the Dec. 24, 2018 fire are completed, ACHD will conduct a comprehensive assessment of violations and will evaluate and review all information to determine the amount of the resulting civil penalties. The fines will be in addition to any additional measures that will be required by ACHD of U.S. Steel. #sulfurdioxide #USSteel #EdgarThompsonfacility #AlleghenyCountyHealthDepartment #ACHD #ClairtonCokeWorks #MonValleyWorks

“Explore the Air” with GASP and the Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse What’s in the air? And why are your boogers so important? Join the Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse and GASP as we learn about the air we breathe and make fun crafts like wind chimes, mini greenhouses, and masks. This is a family-friendly event. Drop in, have a snack, and make a craft! Here’s what you need to know if you wanna go: WHO? GASP is teaming up with the Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse to offer the program WHERE: The event will take place at the Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse WHEN? 1-3 p.m. March 23 COST: FREE #airquality #PittsburghCenterforCreativeReuse

Photo courtesy of The Black Environmental Collective Time is running out to register for The Black Environmental Collective’s networking event, “Another Night Out.” In case you’re unfamiliar, The Black Environmental Collective was launched by a local group of African American leaders.  The group’s mission? To “empower black people to better understand and act on the threat of natural and man-made” environmental impacts. The event, slated for March 19, will bring together folks interested in environmental, climate, air quality, and health issues. This is the second night out the group has held. As with its inaugural event, the band Artistree will perform. Unlike the first event, this one will be held in a larger venue (with other rooms for conversing and networking). We look forward to this event, and to working with The Black Environmental Collective on air quality and other local environmental issues! Here’s what you need to know if you want to go: YOU MUST REGISTER: Please note that space is limited and as of March 1, event organizers said it was nearing capacity. The venue cannot accommodate walk-ins. You must register online. WHEN: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. March 19 WHERE: Sugar & Smoke, 4428 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15224 WHO: Hosted by The Black Environmental Collective COST: Free! #airquality #BlackEnvironmentalCollective

Scientific research has long drawn a link between exposure to air pollution and a heightened risk of miscarriage. But a new study has revealed that air pollution is just as bad for pregnant women as smoking is. This study, hailed as the first to analyze the effects of short-term exposure to air pollution, found that elevations in nitrogen dioxide levels increase the risk of miscarriage by as much as 16 percent. By way of background, nitrogen dioxide is an air toxin released into the environment as a result of car exhaust and fossil fuel combustion processes. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide increases the likelihood of developing respiratory problems. Exposure to this type of air pollution can cause lung inflammation, and spur other symptoms such as wheezing and coughing. But back to the study: Conducted in Salt Lake City, Utah, the research was published in January by the journal “Fertility and Sterility.” Specifically, it analyzed the health records of more than 1,300 women who were treated between 2007 and 2015 in the emergency department following miscarriages. Researchers found a strong link between miscarriage and the level of nitrogen dioxides in the air in the week before the loss of the pregnancy. However, scientists said a greater risk of miscarriage was also linked to: Elevated levels of particulate matter Higher levels of ozone Elevated levels of Sulphur dioxide While scientists acknowledge that the “mechanism by which air pollution could harm a fetus” is unknown, they believe that toxin-driven stress and inflammation are likely culprits. This study reinforces research released by the National Institutes on Health in 2017. That study found that exposure to common types of air pollution may increase the risk of early pregnancy loss, especially ozone. The NIH research showed that pregnant women who lived in neighborhoods with elevated levels of ozone were 12 percent more likely to suffer a miscarriage, while those exposed to higher levels of particulate matter were 13 percent more likely to experience a pregnancy loss. Researchers for both studies have said pregnant women can lower their exposure risk by limiting their time outdoors on poor air-quality days, and by using an indoor filter to improve indoor air quality. Editor’s Note: A 2018 study showed that Pittsburgh has some of the worst air in the entire nation. GASP has been fighting the good fight for 50 years and we need your help! Join us today to become a clean air ambassador for the ‘Burgh. Here’s how. #miscarriage #sulphurdioxide #airpollution #NationalInstitutesonHealth #particulatematter #ozone #airquality

Roses may be red, but your Valentine’s Day can still be green. Instead of opting for stereotypical presents like flowers or chocolates, why not get a gift that keeps on giving – both to your s Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP)have you covered. We put our heads together to curate a last-minute eco gift guide for our ‘Burgh friends. So, if you’re still in the market, might we recommend one of these gifts for your Valentine this year? #1: A Membership to Phipps Conservatory If your significant other has a weakness for flowers, why bother buying a bouquet that will last a week when, for about the same price, you can give them flowers for the whole year? How? Why, a membership to Phipps Conservatory, of course. Annual fees range from $60 for students and senior citizens to $250 for the highest-tier membership, which includes a host of benefits like free admission. But membership comes with more than just unlimited tip toes through the tulips and other pretties. Phipps members also receive discounts on educational classes, events, and programs, as well as a subscription to the non-profit’s quarterly magazine, and even discounts at select Pittsburgh-area nurseries. For more information visit the Phipps website. #2: Plan an Adventure with Venture Outdoors The weather is all rain, sleet, and snow this time of year, but Pittsburgh is on the cusp of spring. Get in the swing of things by planning an outdoor adventure with your honey. While the Greater Pittsburgh region has myriad parks and trails to explore, we recommend you check out offerings from our friends at Venture Outdoors. Venture Outdoors, a member-supported nonprofit, offers a number of outdoor activities for folks of all ages and skill levels. Their goal is to introduce people to the benefits of outdoor recreation, and they offer plenty of opportunities to drink it all in: hikes and kayak trips and geocaching and more. Check out their website to peruse individual offerings, or spring for a membership, which offers steep discounts on trips, exclusive outings, and other benefits. Bonus: Membership fees help facilitate outdoor opportunities for your fellow Pittsburghers. For more information on membership, check out the Venture Outdoors website. #3: Membership to GASP Let’s face it, the ultimate gift that keeps on givin’ is clean air. Empower your special someone by making them a clean air ambassador. How, you ask? By purchasing a gift membership to GASP. Annual memberships start at just $50 a year, and include myriad benefits including a subscription to our newsletter, as well as action alerts that will not only keep your boo updated on important air quality matters, but also let them know how to quickly and easily act on them. They will also get exclusive access to GASP meetings and forums, as well as invites to presentations from environmental leaders working on both the regional and national levels. Another stellar benefit? The satisfaction of knowing you’re contributing to better air quality in Golden Triangle. Did we mention that membership fees and donations are tax-deductible? Learn more by visiting our membership clearing house. #PhippsConservatory #VentureOutdoors #GASP #gifts #airquality

In September 2016 we blogged about the backlogs of applications for new and renewed operating permits for major sources of air pollution that existed in Allegheny County (where such sources are regulated by the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Southwest Region. Because such operating permits are required by Title V of the Clean Air Act, they are commonly called “Title V Operating Permits.” A facility’s Title V Operating Permit must include all of the federal, state, and local air pollution law requirements that apply to the facility. Title V Operating Permits are intended to improve compliance with those requirements by eliminating confusion over which requirements actually apply and by mandating that facilities report on their compliance with applicable requirements at least once a year. A Title V Operating Permit is valid for five years, and a Title V facility must apply to renew its permit between six and eighteen months before the permit expires. The Clean Air Act requires state permitting agencies to act on applications for Title V Operating Permits within eighteen months. There are twenty-seven major sources of air pollution in Allegheny County. When we checked in September 2016, two of those sources had never been issued Title V Operating Permits, and another nine of those sources had expired operating permits. The operating permits of five of those nine major sources of air pollution had been expired for more than five years. For purposes of air quality permitting, DEP’s Southwest Region includes air pollution sources in Armstrong, Beaver, Cambria, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties. In September 2016 in the Southwest Region, we counted sixty-eight major sources of air pollution, twenty-two of which were operating on expired permits. The operating permits of ten of those twenty-two major sources had been expired for at least five years. We decided to check back to see the extent to which ACHD and DEP have resolved the backlogs that existed in 2016. Here’s what we found. The two sources major sources in Allegheny County that had never been issued operating permits in 2016–Allegheny Ludlum’s Brackenridge Works and Eastman Chemical–still have not been issued permits. However, since September 2016, ACHD has published two draft operating permits for Allegheny Ludlum’s Brackenridge Works. Eastman Chemical remains under a 2011 federal court order that has worked to prevent ACHD from issuing an operating permit. ACHD has failed to act on renewal applications for eight major sources of air pollution within eighteen months as its regulations require: FACILITYLOCATIONRenewal Application SubmittedLast Permit Expired Buckeye Pipe LineMoon Township8/8/20072/10/2008 Coraopolis TerminalCoraopolis8/9/20072/10/2008 PPG IndustriesSpringdale9/25/20145/19/2015 NRG PowerBrunot Island (Pittsburgh)6/24/20152/15/2016 Sunoco Pittsburgh TerminalPittsburgh12/30/20156/30/2016 USA Waste Monroeville LandfillMonroeville3/29/201610/5/2016 Kelly Run Sanitation LandfillElizabeth Township3/22/201610/5/2016 Allied Waste Imperial LandfillFindlay Township1/13/201610/13/2016 Although ACHD has slightly reduced the number of major sources if air pollution in Allegheny County that are operating on expired permits, it has reduced the length of time such sources operate on expired permits. In 2016 five facilities’ permits had been expired for more than five years. Now that number is down to two, and ACHD recently published a draft renewal permit for Coraopolis Terminal, one of those two facilities, as well as PPG Industries’ Springdale complex, another facility on the backlog. In 2016, the average number of months each backlogged facility’s permit application was pending at ACHD for over sixty-three months; in 2018, backlogged applications were pending for an average of almost fifty-four months. We counted seventy-one active, major sources of air pollution in DEP’s Southwest Region. One of these sites–Lehigh Specialty Metals in Latrobe–has never had a Title V Operating Permit, although DEP did issue a minor source operating permit to the facility in 2007. Including Lehigh Specialty Metals, DEP has failed to act on renewal applications for operating permits for fourteen of the seventy-one major sources if air pollution in the Southwest Region within eighteen months as its regulations require: FACILITYLOCATIONRenewal Application SubmittedLast Permit Expired Dominion Transmission Oakford Compressor StationSalem Twp., Westmoreland 8/29/2003; 6/2/20143/1/2004 Consolidated Coal Bailey Prep PlantRichhill Twp., Greene5/25/2006; 1/29/201411/28/2006 Flexsys Monongahela PlantCarroll Twp., Washington7/3/2006; 9/25/20121/3/2007 Ebensburg Power Co.Cambria Twp., Cambria8/17/20062/19/2007 Allegheny Valley Connector LLC Laurel Ridge StationJackson Twp., Cambria5/11/2007; 1/2/20141/14/2008 U.S. Gypsum/NGC IndustriesAliquippa, Beaver7/27/20091/27/2010 Allegheny Energy Gans Power StationSpringhill Twp., Fayette7/20/20091/27/2010 Lehigh Specialty Melting Inc.Latrobe, Westmoreland7/15/20095/23/2012 Texas Eastern Armagh Compressor StationWest Wheatfield Twp., Indiana6/28/20127/31/2012 Dominion Transmission South Oakford Compressor StationHempfield Twp., Westmoreland1/11/201210/31/2012 Texas Eastern Delmont Compressor StationSalem Twp., Westmoreland9/17/20124/29/2013 Armstrong PowerSouth Bend Twp., Armstrong3/19/20149/9/2014 Greenridge Reclamation LandfillEast Huntingdon Twp., Westmoreland4/30/201410/30/2014 Equitrans Pratt Compressor StationFranklin Twp., Greene4/19/201610/20/2016 The average time each backlogged facility’s permit application in DEP’s Southwest Region has been pending is now over ninety-seven months. To test a hypothesis that the backlogs at ACHD and DEP’s Southwest Region exist because Title V permitting programs in Pennsylvania are not adequately funded, we decided to expand our research to other areas of Pennsylvania. The Clean Air Act requires that Title V permitting programs be self-funding, meaning, that the fees charged to Title V facilities must be sufficient to cover the costs of administering Title V programs. Title V fees for facilities in Pennsylvania are uniform state-wide. Accordingly, it stands to reason that if the permit backlogs at ACHD and the Southwest Region exist due to Title V permit fees being set too low to adequately fund their programs, similar backlogs would exist in DEP’s other regions. We decided to see whether this is the case. DEP’s air quality permits are issued by regional offices that serve the regions on this map: We used DEP’s eFACTS database to determine how many major sources of air pollution are located in DEP’s Northwest, Northcentral, Northeast, Southcentral, and Southeast regions, and also how many sources in each of these regions are operating despite DEP’s failure to act on applications for new or renewal permits in the eighteen months required by the Clean Air Act. It is worth noting that the Clean Air Act does not prohibit a source that submits its renewal application to DEP in a timely manner from operating where DEP delays acting on the application for more than eighteen months. DEP’s Northwest Region (NWRO) includes Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, and Venango Counties. We counted sixty-one active major sources of air pollution in the Northwest Region. Three of those sixty-one facilities have had renewal applications for their Title V Operating Permits pending for more than eighteen months: FACILITYLOCATIONPermit Application SubmittedLast Permit Expired Domtar Johnsonburg MillJohnsonburg, Elk9/8/20154/10/2016 BASF Corp.Erie, Erie8/8/20168/1/2017 NRG Power Midwest/New Castle Power PlantTaylor Twp., Lawrence8/24/20165/9/2017 The average number of months each backlogged facility’s application for a renewal permit has been pending in the Northwest Region is about twenty-three months. DEP’s Northcentral Region (“NCRO”) includes Bradford, Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder, Sullivan, Tioga, and Union Counties. We counted sixty-five active major sources of air pollution in the Northcentral Region. FACILITYLOCATIONPermit Application SubmittedLast Permit Expired Springs Window FashionsClinton Twp., LycomingNo application submitted12/29/2015 U.S. Gypsum Washingtonville PlantDerry Twp., Montour8/9/2013New Facility Based on reports of facility emissions on eFACTS, it appears that Springs Window Fashions may have ceased operations sometime in 2015 or 2016. However, if the facility is still operating, it is breaking the law: the Clean Air Act requires a major source to submit an application to renew its Title V Operating Permit at least six, and as many as eighteen, months before its current Title V Operating Permit expires, and it is illegal to operate a source of air pollution in Pennsylvania unless a complete application for an operating permit has been submitted. Assuming that Springs Window Fashions has in fact shut down, the lone backlogged application for a Title V Operating Permit in the Northcentral Region has been pending for about fifty-six months. DEP’s Northeast Region (“NERO”) includes Carbon, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Monroe, Northampton, Pike, Schuylkill, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming Counties. We counted sixty-nine active major sources of air pollution in those counties, ten of which have had applications for their Title V Operating Permits pending for at least eighteen months: FACILITYLOCATIONPermit Application SubmittedLast Permit Expired Panther Creek Cogeneration PlantNesquehoning Borough, Carbon5/22/200811/26/2008 Vorteq Coil FinishersAllentown, Lehigh3/17/201610/17/2016 Hazelton GenerationHazle Twp., Luzerne5/13/2016New Facility Northampton Generating Co.Northampton Borough, Northampton4/12/201110/31/2011 Hercules Cement Stockertown PlantStockertown Borough, Northampton12/15/20116/29/2012 Keystone Cement Co.East Allen Twp., Northampton3/7/20068/3/2006 Gilberton Power Co.'s John B. Rich Memorial Power StationFrackville Borough, Schuylkill7/13/20092/14/2010 Northeastern Power Co.'s McAdoo Cogen FacilityMcAdoo Borough, Schuylkill8/31/20098/31/2010 Schuylkill Energy Resources Inc.'s St. Nicholas Cogen FacilityMahanoy Twp., Schuylkill5/9/20114/23/2012 Ingenco Wholesale PowerPine Grove Twp., Schuylkill4/2/2016; 7/6/2015 (withdrawn)11/19/2015 The average number of months each backlogged facility’s application for a renewal permit has been pending in the Northeast Region is about seventy-eight months. DEP’s Southcentral Region (“SCRO”) includes Adams, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Huntington, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry, and York Counties. We counted 135 active major source of air pollution in these counties, only one of which has had a renewal application for a Title V Operating Permit pending for more than eighteen months: FACILITYLOCATIONPermit Application SubmittedLast Permit Expired Granger Energy of Honey BrookCaernarvon Twp., Lancaster8/8/20163/19/2017 The lone backlogged facility’s application for a renewal permit in the Southcentral Region has been pending for about twenty months. DEP’s Southeast Region (“SERO”) includes Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties for purposes of permitting sources of air pollution (Philadelphia’s Air Management Services administers the Title V permitting program for facilities located in Philadelphia). We counted ninety-four active major sources of air pollution in the Southeast Region, two of which have had renewal applications for Title V Operating Permits pending for more than eighteen months: FACILITYLOCATIONPermit Application SubmittedLast Permit Expired Tube Methods, Inc.Bridgeport, Montgomery7/11/20163/2/2017 Superior Tube Co., Collegeville FacilityLower Providence Twp., Montgomery1/26/20168/3/2016 The average number of months each backlogged facility’s application for a renewal permit has been pending in the Southeast Region is about twenty-four months. This chart summarizes the performance of all the regions discussed above, as well as the performance of ACHD and DEP’s Southwest Region as discussed in our earlier blog: AgencyNumber of Major SourcesNumber of Major Sources with Backlogged Title V Operating PermitPercentage of Major Sources with Backlogged Title V Operating PermitAverage Number of Months Backlogged Permits Have Been Pending ACHD27830%54 SWRO711420%97 NWRO6135%23 NCRO651<2%56 SCRO1351<1%20 NERO69913%84 SERO9422%24 Returning to our hypothesis, it appears that Pennsylvania’s Title V fees are sufficient to fund permitting programs that are generally able to process permit applications in the time required by the Clean Air Act, at least in some DEP regions. The Title V permitting programs at ACHD and DEP’s Southwest Region (and also to some extent, DEP’s Northeast Region) must find a way to better marshal their resources to process Title V permit applications in a timely manner. –John Baillie, Staff Attorney #airpollution #TitleV #CleanAirAct #AlleghenyCountyHealthDepartment #backlog #EastmanChemical #airquality

In July 2017 we blogged about the notice of intent to sue for violations of the Clean Air Act that GASP sent to Armstrong Cement & Supply. Armstrong operates a facility with two cement kilns and associated equipment in Winfield Township, Butler County. GASP’s notice was based on Armstrong’s failure to submit required reports of the results of continuous emission monitors that it is required to operate to measure its emissions of sulfur dioxide (“SO2”) and smog-forming oxides of nitrogen (“NOx”). Armstrong installed new air pollution control equipment and continuous emission monitors in late 2015. After sending our notice of intent to sue, we learned that the monitors had not been certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and that reporting monitoring results would wait until certification. Our notice hastened the certification process and in late 2017, Armstrong began submitting air quality monitoring reports as required. Based on our review of those reports, we are happy to report that since Armstrong installed the new pollution control equipment, its emissions of SO2 and NOx have decreased and it seems to be doing a better job of complying with applicable emission limits. Similarly, in October 2017, GASP sent a notice of intent to sue under the Clean Air Act to Harsco Metals. Harsco operates a slag processing plant on the site of Allegheny Technologies, Inc.’s Brackenridge Works in Harrison Township, Allegheny County. GASP’s notice of intent to sue was based on Harsco’s failure to submit an application for a Title V Operating Permit for its plant at the Brackenridge Works. Title V Operating Permits are comprehensive air pollution permits that the Clean Air Act requires for all major sources of air pollution. A Title V Operating Permit for a facility must include all restrictions and limits to which the air pollution source is subject, and testing, monitoring, record keeping, and reporting requirements that are sufficient to demonstrate the source’s compliance with such restrictions and limits. Further, for a facility that is not in full compliance with the restrictions and limits that apply to it, a Title V Operating Permit must include a schedule for achieving full compliance. Harsco’s plant at the Brackenridge Works is itself not a major source of air pollution, but it is obligated to apply for a Title V Operating Permit because it is located on the premises of a major source and supports the operations of that major source. Harsco submitted an application for a minor source operating permit to the Allegheny County Health Department (“ACHD”) in 1996; however, ACHD never took final action on that application. We have been informed that as a result of our notice of intent to sue, Harsco submitted an application for a Title V Operating Permit to ACHD on Jan. 16, 2018. ACHD has 60 days to determine whether Harsco’s application is complete, and (assuming that it is) another 18 months to take final action on the application. ACHD must provide the public with an opportunity to review, and comment on, a draft Title V Operating Permit for Harsco’s plant at the Brackenridge Works before issuing the plant a final permit. –John Baillie, Staff Attorney #NOxemissions #emissionlimits #SO2 #airpollution #TitleV #BrackenridgeWorks #HarscoMetals #NoticeofIntent #CleanAirAct #AlleghenyCountyHealthDepartment #airquality

Please attend the public hearing regarding the proposed issuance of the draft Title V Operating Permit for ATI/Allegheny Ludlum and let the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) your thoughts on this permit. The hearing will be on Dec. 19 at 6 p.m., in the Harrison Township Building, One Municipal Drive, Natrona Heights, 15065. Oral testimony must be scheduled by calling Karen Sagel at (412) 578-8115 no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 15, 2017. If you can’t attend the hearing in person, written comments may be submitted to the ACHD at aqpermits@alleghenycounty.us by the end of the day on Dec. 19, 2017. The draft permit can be viewed here, under the right sidebar labeled “Permits in Public Comment.” GASP and other groups recently spoke out about the danger posed by increases in permitted pollution in a draft permit for ATI’s steel-making facility in Harrison. Also, please sign our petition below, which we will deliver to the Health Department. Our petition: Dear Allegheny County Health Department Air Quality Program: Residents of Brackenridge and across Allegheny County have a right to clean air. The latest draft permit for ATI’s Brackenridge steel plant fails to guarantee that right. The new draft permit allows the ATI plant to increase its pollution limits—some of which it has failed to meet for over a decade and which cannot lawfully be raised to the proposed levels. The new draft allows the facility to emit three times more smog-forming pollution than the plant typically reports. Allegheny County already has an “F” grade from the American Lung Association on air quality for soot and smog pollution, which endanger asthmatics, children, the elderly, and those who work and play outdoors. We need to improve our air quality—not give polluters free rein to make it worse. This permit would make it impossible to tell how much the plant is actually polluting, by not adequately requiring ATI to monitor or report emissions. We strongly urge the ACHD to revise ATI’s operating permit to be more protective of public health and to comply with the law. #AlleghenyCountyHealthDepartment #AmericanLungAssociation #ATI #TitleV