Public comment sought on proposed coke oven regulation changes

Allegheny County — The Allegheny County Health Department is requesting public comment on proposed changes at the U.S. Steel Clairton Works plant.

The proposed regulation changes were presented to the Board of Health on Nov. 4 and members approved a request from the health department to open a 60-day public comment period.

Coke making is a process by which coal is baked at very high temperatures in an air-free oven to create a fuel that is used to make steel. The process produces coke oven gas which contains volatile products such as benzene, tar, sulfur compounds, ammonia and methane.

The health department has met with U.S. Steel 11 times since June to discuss the proposed regulation changes, which include incorporating inspection procedures, correcting coke oven gas standards and removing outdated language.

A virtual public hearing about the proposed changes will be held at 5 p.m. on Jan. 20 and will be live streamed at https://www.facebook.com/AlleghenyCountyHealth/.

People who want to present testimony at the hearing must register first at www.alleghenycounty.us/regs-sips. Those who do not have access to the internet may register by calling 412-578-8103.

Breezy and mild Friday, 30 mph wind gusts

Cox Media Group