Air quality issues could have U.S. Steel paying $2 million to Clairton residents

CLAIRTON, Pa. — A tentative settlement has U.S. Steel paying $2 million to Clairton residents who have complained of air quality issues near the Clairton Coke Works for years, according to court documents.

The tentative settlement in a 2017 class-action lawsuit also has U.S. Steel investing $6.5 million to upgrade equipment at its Clairton Coke Works facility.

The lawsuit claims U.S. Steel’s negligence, odors and pollution from the Clairton Coke Works interfered with residents’ quality of life.

“It’s very concerning. You know, because just, I’d like to see Clairton thriving. Instead, people are getting sick, wanting to move and, as you can see, it’s a little bit of a ghost town,” Breonna Williams, of Clairton, said.

You can customize your WPXI News App to receive alerts for Allegheny County news. CLICK HERE to find out how.

More than 5,600 homes fall within the area impacted by the issues. Residents will have 45 days to submit claims to qualify for the settlement.

Residents say the tentative settlement is a step in the right direction and sends a major message.

“I think they need to do better. I think they need to just really be more responsible, and we know this is a billion-dollar industry, but you need to start caring about the residents and the people,” Miriam Maletta, of Clairton, said.

A fairness hearing confirming the settlement is scheduled for late February.

U.S. Steel sent Channel 11 News the following response about the tentative settlement:

“Because this settlement is not final, we do not think it is appropriate to comment at this time. Environmental stewardship and safety remain core values at U.S. Steel, and we are committed to investing in our operations and processes to continue to improve air quality in the Mon Valley.”

If the settlement is approved, Clairton Coke Works would have to improve air quality within one year. That includes installing air coolers and battery machinery.

Clairton Mayor Richard Lattanzi released the following statement:

“The city is aware of the class action suit against U.S. Steel and believes that some people with respiratory ailments may have been sickened and they will be compensated. Also, I feel others will join in the suit and the individual settlements will be minimal. Moving forward, measures are taking place to improve these conditions.”

People living near Clairton Coke Works invited to ask questions about U.S. Steel agreement People living near Clairton Coke Works invited to ask questions about U.S. Steel agreement

© 2019 Cox Media Group