Letter to the editor: We need truth on air quality

As someone who has traveled extensively in the United States, and as someone who has asthma, of course I am sensitive to any efforts to have clean air. However, the EPA and the American Lung Association are politicized organizations that “bend” the truth to achieve their ends.

Below is a partial list of where air monitors are placed, which is actually humorous (excluding Steubenville/Weirton). Tremendous improvements have been made over the last decades to improve our air. Why not be truthful about it? Because they want industry shut down.

Here’s a more detailed look at some of the monitoring locations (www.alleghenycounty.us/ Services/Health- Department/Air-Quality/Monitored-Data) in industrial areas and fracking activity:

Clairton: Monitors are positioned around the USS Clairton coke works to detect air emissions.

Liberty: This monitor detects significant levels of PM 2.5, PM10, SO2 and benzene.

Elizabeth: Monitors were placed around fracked well pads of EQT and Olympus Energy.

Frazer: Monitoring took place around the Gulick, Schiller and Bakerstown well pads.

Plum: Three monitors were placed to assess potential impacts from a proposed wastewater disposal well, including truck traffic.

Stowe and McKees Rocks: Monitoring occurred in these areas due to the location of the McKees Rocks Industrial Enterprise (MRIE).

Air toxics studies:

Swissvale: A monitor was placed on private property near the Kopp Glass facility to assess air toxics, according to the Allegheny County Health Department .

Lawrenceville: A study focused on toxic metals in this area.

Neville Island: An air toxics study was conducted in this area, according to Allegheny County.

Peter A. Mamula

Venetia