Associated Press
CLAIRTON -- United States Steel Corp.'s plans to cut pollution at a Pittsburgh-area coke operation now has the blessing of the Allegheny County Health Department.
The steel company says its planned $1.1 billion upgrade at its Clairton Coke Works will reduce air pollution while also hoping it strengthens steelmaking.
The upgrades are meant to reduce pollution in the Pittsburgh suburbs most affected, including Clairton, Glassport, Lincoln, Liberty and Port Vue. Pollution readings from the plant have prompted the American Lung Association to rank the greater Pittsburgh area as the sootiest in the country.
The steel company will replace three older coke batteries by 2011 and three more by 2014.