Allegheny, Liberty-Clairton Areas Reach Air Quality Milestones Following EPA Approval
PHILADELPHIA - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Mid-Atlantic Region announced the approval of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s request to make Liberty-Clairton a designated maintenance area. This significant milestone marks a collaborative effort between EPA, the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD), and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to improve air quality for the communities within Liberty, Lincoln, Port Vue, Glassport boroughs, and the City of Clairton.
"We’re excited to announce the approval of Liberty-Clairton as a designated maintenance area, marking a significant achievement in air quality standards. This milestone is a testament to the power of teamwork and collaboration between EPA, the Allegheny County Health Department, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” said EPA Region 3 Administrator Amy Van Blarcom-Lackey. “We commend Pennsylvania’s efforts to meet their goals and remain committed to working alongside our partners by promoting and delivering practices that provide healthy, clean air to all Americans."
To redesignate a nonattainment area to attainment, the Clean Air Act (CAA) requires EPA to determine the state has met all applicable requirements for that National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Fine particulate pollution, known as PM2.5, can originate directly from sources or form secondarily through atmospheric chemical reactions involving precursor pollutants. EPA's decision reflects the successful implementation of strategies to reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NOx), ammonia (NH3), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which contribute to PM2.5 formation.
EPA’s final rule details how the Liberty-Clairton Area meets the CAA requirements for redesignation, including a maintenance plan outlining sustained practices for continued compliance.
Allegheny County Maintenance Plan Approval
In addition, EPA has approved the Commonwealth’s plan to maintain air quality standards in the Allegheny County Area for the 2012 annual PM2.5 standard through 2035. This plan encompasses all municipalities within Allegheny County and includes provisions for local controls should the 2012 annual PM2.5 standard be violated. This action does not redesignate the Allegheny County Area to attainment for the 2012 annual PM2.5 NAAQS.
EPA is committed to working with state and local partners to safeguard public health and the environment, ensuring cleaner air for all Americans. For more information about EPA Region 3, visit our regional website or follow us on Instagram, X and Facebook.