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Mon Valley Alliance rejects settlement

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The Mon Valley Alliance economic development group has opted out of receiving a share of a cash settlement a Monessen coke plant agreed to pay to end a federal Clean Air Act lawsuit.

The alliance announced Monday it didn’t want to be involved in the tentative settlement ArcelorMittal reached with local residents who filed a class action lawsuit in June 2015 over foul odors the plant emitted after it reopened.

“While we recognize the importance of meeting air quality standards, we acknowledge the major investment of $50 million by ArcelorMittal in capital improvements to the Monessen Coke Plant and the ongoing efforts of ArcelorMittal to address air quality issues,” Mon Valley Alliance Chairman John Easoz stated in a news release.

The tentative settlement reached in March called for the company to pay $452,500 to the plaintiffs, $250,500 of which would apply to attorney fees. The rest of the money would be divided among those within a 1 1/2-mile radius of the plant at 345 Donner Ave.

The company also agreed to invest another $450,000 in plant upgrades to reduce emissions.

The alliance formed in a merger in March of the Mon Valley Progress Council and Middle Monongahela Industrial Development Association. The alliance made the list of those eligible to receive a portion of the settlement because the council’s offices were in Monessen.

The Monessen plant employs 179 people, 154 of whom belong to a union, the alliance said.

“Well-paid manufacturing jobs are the key for economic development in the mid-Mon Valley. We applaud Mittal’s ongoing commitment to our region,” Easoz said.

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