I recently had a troubling conversation with some of my neighbors in the East End. They described a sulfur smell permeating their homes, giving them headaches, making their throats hurt and even affecting their pets. I knew Allegheny County has an air pollution problem, but it was nonetheless alarming to hear what my neighbors only a few minutes away were experiencing.
When I say we have “an air pollution problem,” it’s an understatement. Allegheny County is in the worst 2% of counties nationwide for cancer risk from industrial air pollution. It’s safer to breathe almost anywhere else in the country.
There are 10 facilities that pump out 70% of those toxins, and it’s time to rein them in. County Executive Rich Fitzgerald can help set stricter pollution limits, enforce meaningful penalties for illegal pollution and give the Allegheny County Health Department the resources it needs for enforcement.
My neighbors and I have called Fitzgerald’s office, written him letters, signed petitions, tagged him on social media and more — all with zero response. It’s time to redd up Allegheny County’s air pollution problem, and I call on Fitzgerald to respond to our pleas and take meaningful action.
Mary Weidner
Garfield