Power Plant Spews Soot On Town

Some residents in Beaver County have concerns as they wait for a soot clean-up from a local power plant.

The coal soot came from smokestacks at the Bruce Mansfield Power Plant in Shippingport last month.

The Department of Environmental Protection tested samples of the black oily substance and found high levels of arsenic and lead that could pose a danger if ingested.

Neighbors met Tuesday night with first energy leaders and the DEP looking for answers.

“We think it’s safer and more conservative to simply dispose of those vegetables or that food, and we'll compensate people for their loss,” First Energy attorney Donald Bluedorn said.

The soot landed on this nearby playground closing it indefinitely.

The DEP said if anyone is concerned about the situation to call the department at 412-442-4000.

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