More fines for U.S. Steel

By Jamie Martines

Trib Total Media

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.

U.S. Steel did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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 remaining 10%, $36,140, will be paid to the county’s 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.