CLAIRTON, Pa. (AP) -- Residents near United States Steel Corp.'s Clairton Coke works say they want assurances that the company's planned $1 billion upgrade will reduce air pollution while also hoping it strengthens steelmaking.
The company says the improvements would ensure the long-term viability of its Mon Valley Works operations, create more than 600 construction jobs and ensure thousands of existing jobs.
Residents spoke about environmental concerns Wednesday at a public hearing held by the Allegheny County Health Department on a permit for the first part of the overhaul.
U.S. Steel says improvements will reduce air pollution emissions by 39 percent and airborne particle emissions, or soot, by nearly 58 percent.
