The Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) announced in a press release Tuesday afternoon that its motion to intervene in the citizens’ lawsuit (Clean Air Council and PennEnvironment) filed against U.S. Steel has been granted.
The suit is regarding air quality violations related to the Dec. 24, 2018 fire at the Clairton Coke Works facility.
As a result, all remedies and civil penalties related to the Dec. 24 fire will be sought through the federal judicial system. The Health Department will not be issuing any unilateral administrative orders or civil penalties related to the incident.
“This joint action ensures the strongest case possible is brought against U.S. Steel, increases the resources available to the Department and allows for the best possible outcome for public health and impacted residents,” department officials said in the release.
ACHD will not have any further comment as this is an ongoing legal action.
You can read the order here.