Natrona Slag Processor to Enclose Operations to Reduce Dust

We have blogged several times about dust pollution created by Harsco, Inc.’s facility in Natrona Heights, which processes slag from ATI Flat Rolled Products’ steel plant in Brackenridge.

Dust from Harsco’s slag-handling activities regularly drifts out into the surrounding residential neighborhood that sits between Harsco’s operations and ATI’s plant, and lands on neighbors’ cars and other property, much to the neighbors’ chagrin.

Fortunately, much of that fugitive dust pollution could soon be a thing of the past.

About The Dust Issue

The dust issue came to light in March of 2017, when the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) issued notice of violation letters to Harsco and ATI after inspectors noted dust on children’s toys, playground equipment, and cars in Opal Court on three separate occasions in February of 2017. The department ultimately determined the company was in violation of regulations regarding fugitive emissions.

Harsco in June of 2017 submitted an action plan to address the violations, committing to operational changes and enhanced training designed to mitigate those dust issues.

Despite implementing that compliance plan, ACHD noted that residential complaints about dust deposits continued to pour in: Between May 2017 and May 2018, inspectors noted 13 days on which deposits of particulate matter from Harsco were discovered nearby—spurring the health department to issue another administrative order against the company May 29, 2018. That order required the company to submit and implement a compliance plan that would eliminate all fallout of particulate matter.

Here's what you need to know.