The ongoing environmental crisis surrounding U.S. Steel's Irvin Plant in Pittsburgh has reached a critical point as environmental advocates push for stricter regulations to address persistent oil releases into the Monongahela River. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has documented multiple instances of industrial pollution from the facility, raising serious concerns about water quality and public health.
Throughout 2023, U.S. Steel faced multiple citations for unauthorized discharges, with the company attributing some incidents to equipment failures. The situation became serious enough for the DEP to issue a compliance order in October 2023, mandating the implementation of preventive measures including absorbent booms and investigation of release causes. However, despite these measures, another significant release was reported as recently as October 10, 2024.
The environmental impact has been substantial, with EPA inspectors documenting oil sheens extending up to three miles downstream from the facility. Captain Evan Clark of Three Rivers Waterkeeper has reported extensive rainbow sheens spanning the river's width, highlighting the magnitude of the pollution. These discharges are particularly concerning given that the Monongahela River serves as a drinking water source for approximately one million residents.
Three Rivers Waterkeeper, led by Executive Director Heather Hulton VanTassel, is advocating for more stringent measures, including real-time monitoring systems and financial penalties for violations. The organization emphasizes that these issues have persisted for over two years, with community complaints dating back decades. Their demands include technological improvements and enhanced monitoring protocols to prevent future discharges.
The DEP's response has included proposing enhanced monitoring and reporting requirements for one of the facility's drainage outfalls. However, environmental advocates argue these measures are insufficient, particularly noting the absence of financial penalties for past violations. The lack of punitive measures has drawn criticism from environmental groups who believe stronger deterrents are necessary.
U.S. Steel's response, through spokesperson Amanda Malkowski, has been to emphasize their regular monitoring practices for "unwanted material." However, the frequency and extent of the documented releases suggest current monitoring systems may be inadequate to prevent environmental contamination.
While the DEP maintains that drinking water supplies have not been compromised thus far, the ongoing nature of these releases has intensified calls for more robust regulatory oversight. The agency has committed to reviewing Three Rivers Waterkeeper's comments, potentially signaling future adjustments to their regulatory approach.
