Clairton Coke Works Operating Permit Hearing

The ACHD is seeking comments on the following draft permits.  Allegheny County Health Department intends to issue a Title V Operating Permit to UNITED STATES STEEL – CLAIRTON PLANT (0052‐OP22a), 400 State Street, Clairton, PA 15025‐1004, for the modification of the Title V Operating Permit for the operation of a byproduct recovery coke plant. The coke produced is used in the blast furnace operations in the production of molten iron for steel making. The facility is a major source of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and hazardous air pollutants, as defined in Section 2101.20 of Article XXI. This facility is subject to the Federal Coke MACT 40 CFR Part 63, Subpart CCCC, and Reasonable Available Control Technology (RACT). This modification is to include additional monitoring requirements, clarify citations, and correct minor administrative errors. The modifications do not result in any changes to the permitted emissions. 

Areas of Concern

Emission Limits and Types: Levels for various pollutants, including particulate matter, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants can significantly impact air quality and may exacerbate asthma symptoms.

Operational Practices: The facility's operational practices, particularly those related to combustion, use of fuels, and processing methods, can affect the type and amount of pollutants released into the atmosphere. Operational malfunctions or non-compliance with these practices could lead to increased emissions.

Leak Detection and Repair: Incomplete or delayed repair of leaks in equipment could lead to unintended emissions of VOCs and other hazardous air pollutants, which could be asthma triggers.

Monitoring and Testing Protocols: The frequency and effectiveness of monitoring and testing for emissions play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with permitted levels. Inadequate monitoring could result in undetected or underreported emissions.

Record Keeping and Reporting: Accurate record-keeping and timely reporting of emissions data are essential for regulatory compliance and public transparency. Any lapses in these areas might obscure potential air quality issues.

Fugitive Dust and Vehicular Traffic: Operations involving the handling of coal and coke, as well as vehicular traffic within the facility, can contribute to particulate matter in the air. Dust control measures are crucial in mitigating this risk.