Groups won't appeal permit for coke works upgrade
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Three environmental groups have decided not to appeal the installation permit issued to U.S. Steel Corp. by the Allegheny County Health Department for the first phase of a $1 billion upgrade of the nation's largest coke works in Clairton.
Yesterday's decision by Clean Water Action, Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future and the Group Against Smog and Pollution clears the way for the Pittsburgh-based steelmaker to begin construction after a 10-day appeal period ends Monday.
U.S. Steel plans to replace three of its 12 coke batteries in Clairton with a single, bigger battery that is scheduled to be in operation in December 2011. The three batteries that will be demolished were built in 1954.
The new coke batteries will reduce pollution from the facility, but the environmental groups say the company could do better.
A second phase of the project, which will need another county permit, would replace three coke batteries built in 1955 with a single new battery.
Coke is a solid carbon fuel and steel additive produced by baking coal. The process produces gas and particle emissions that contribute to the poor air quality in the Monongahela River communities of Clairton, Liberty, Port Vue and Glassport.
First Published August 1, 2008 12:00 am
