Pittsburgh’s New Superfund Site Draws Attention from EPA

Pittsburgh’s New Superfund Site Draws Attention from EPAPittsburgh’s New Superfund Site Draws Attention from EPA Pittsburgh’s industrial legacy has left behind a toxic scar that has now garnered the attention of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Allegheny County Health Department has identified a new Superfund site in the city’s Hazelwood neighborhood, a former steel mill complex. The site, known as the USS Hazelwood Coke Works, operated from 1888 to 1998, producing coke, a fuel used in steelmaking. During its operation, the facility released numerous hazardous substances into the environment, including benzene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and lead. According to the EPA, the site poses significant risks to human health and the environment. Soil and groundwater are contaminated with hazardous substances, and air samples have detected harmful chemicals. Residents in the surrounding area have expressed concerns about potential health effects, such as cancer and respiratory problems. The EPA has launched a Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) investigation to determine the extent of the contamination and develop a cleanup plan. The agency will work with responsible parties, including US Steel Corporation, to address the site’s risks. The designation of the site as a Superfund site is a significant step towards cleaning up this contaminated area. The EPA’s involvement will ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted and that long-term remedies are implemented to protect the health of the community and the environment. Local officials have welcomed the EPA’s intervention. Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey stated, “This Superfund designation is a critical step in ensuring that the legacy of pollution left by the steel industry is cleaned up and that our neighborhoods are safe and healthy for generations to come.” The cleanup process is expected to be complex and time-consuming. However, the EPA’s expertise and commitment to addressing Superfund sites will help to mitigate the risks posed by this contaminated site and restore the area to productive use.