Recently in the Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh’s lead problems have regained their rightful place in local conversation (Jan. 22, “Latest Round of Testing Shows Lead Levels Up Again in City Water Lines”).
In 2014, a switch in corrosion control chemicals led to further erosion of lead pipes and solder.
While the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority has since switched the corrosion control chemicals to a less damaging composition, another less publicized factor is contributing to lead levels in the rivers as well as eroding Pittsburgh’s pipes — coal-fired power plants.
Coal-fired power plants, like the one in Cheswick, are dumping hundreds of pounds of lead into the Allegheny River.
Byproducts from the plant, like bromides, erode lead pipes and the lead solder present in many non-lead pipes.
Puzzlingly, no Pittsburgh elected officials have spoken out on this matter.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection allowed the Cheswick plant to operate under expired permits.
The DEP needs to move quickly to update Cheswick’s water pollution permit, which would limit the amount of toxins that can be dumped into the Allegheny River.
It is essential that the DEP, our elected officials and the corporations running these coal-fired power plants be held accountable for their disregard of the safety of our water.
Regent Square