Allegheny County Health Department issues $361K fine against U.S. Steel

The Allegheny County Health Department has issued $361,400 in fines against U.S. Steel for air pollution and permit violations during the fourth quarter of 2019 and first quarter of 2020.

The health department announced the fine in a statement Thursday.

Of that total, $325,260, or 90%, will be paid to a Community Benefit Trust intended to benefit communities immediately surrounding the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works facility in the lower Mon Valley.

This trust was established following a settlement agreement reached with U.S. Steel in June 2019 that addresses 2018 and early 2019 enforcement orders and subsequent appeals.

“The health department letter requesting payment of stipulated penalties was issued pursuant to the settlement agreement and addresses asserted deviations from battery operations that were to have occurred during the fourth quarter 2019 and first quarter 2020,” a statement from U.S. Steel said. “U. S. Steel is currently reviewing the request for payment of stipulated penalties and is verifying that the data and demand are consistent with the conditions outlined in the June 2019 settlement agreement.”

The remaining 10%, $36,140, will be paid to the county Clean Air Fund.

The Clean Air Fund is used to support projects related to improving air quality in Allegheny County. It is funded by penalties from emissions violations and does not include county tax dollars.