U.S. Steel announced it will shut down three of Clairton Coke Work’s 10 coke batteries this month, which it projects will reduce emissions from the plant.

The decision to close the site’s three oldest batteries at the Mon Valley’s biggest source of airborne pollutants originally was announced two years ago as part of $1.5 billion in site improvements. The company later rolled back those plans.

The shutdown will take plant personnel an estimated six days and is expected to be start March 27.

“For over a century, U. S. Steel and its workers have led the way in tackling America’s challenges through steelmaking,” said Scott D. Buckiso, senior vice president and chief manufacturing officer of the company’s North American Flat-Rolled Segment. “The shutdown of the Clairton coke batteries is a milestone in our constant evolution and readiness to meet America’s challenges.”

Environmental groups appeared hesitantly optimistic this week about the batteries shutting down.

“U.S. Steel says it will shut down three of its ‘most productive’ batteries at the Clairton Coke Works March 27 as promised a year ago,” the nonprofit group The Breathe Project posted on Facebook. “Shall we hold our collective breath until then?”

The move impacts about 130 jobs, but U. S. Steel said no one will be laid off. The positions will be reassigned or left to be absorbed through retirements, company officials said.

U. S. Steel said it is shuttering the batteries as part of its commitment to a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goal by 2050. Founded in 1901, United States Steel Corporation’s headquarters is based in the U.S. Steel Tower in Downtown Pittsburgh.

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