The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has launched a significant enforcement initiative aimed at reducing pollution and enhancing environmental protections across the state. Announced on October 10, 2023, this series of actions includes regulatory updates, targeted grants, and a focus on diesel emissions, representing one of the agency’s most vigorous environmental strategies in recent years.
DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley emphasized the importance of these actions, stating they reflect a sustained commitment to safeguarding the Commonwealth’s waterways, air quality, and coastal ecosystems. This initiative comes in response to increasing public complaints, aging infrastructure, and pressures from industrial activities.
U.S. Steel to Address Oil Sheens on Monongahela River
One of the key components of this enforcement action is a Consent Order and Agreement with U.S. Steel. The agreement mandates that the company cease its repeated oil sheen discharges from its Mon Valley Works Irvin Plant in West Mifflin. This follows at least seven documented incidents between August 2022 and April 2025.
“Protecting the waters of the Commonwealth is one of DEP’s core responsibilities,” said Shirley. Under the agreement, U.S. Steel will pay a civil penalty of $135,000 and implement extensive corrective measures. These include a long-term monitoring program for outfalls, a comprehensive investigation into oil and grease management, and the installation of new containment systems, along with daily inspections utilizing live-feed cameras.
Failure to comply could result in fines of up to $7,500 per day for any future discharges. Inspections have confirmed unauthorized discharges from multiple outfalls, with some incidents resulting in visible oil sheens stretching over a mile downstream. The efforts reflect a broader strategy to protect the Monongahela River, which is vital for recreation and aquatic life, and has been the subject of numerous citizen complaints.
Investment in Coastal Protection Initiatives
In a related effort, the DEP announced the allocation of over $580,000 in grants for 2025 to support 11 projects aimed at protecting the Delaware Estuary Coastal Zone. This area is crucial as it supplies drinking water, enhances recreational opportunities, and provides economic benefits to local communities.
“Protecting the Delaware Estuary Coastal Zone is essential for maintaining its role as a natural barrier against flooding and supporting wildlife habitats,” noted Shirley. The grants will facilitate various initiatives, including trail engineering, waterfront access improvements, habitat preservation, community cleanups, and educational programs about environmental stewardship.
Additionally, over $168,000 has been awarded for four projects in the Lake Erie Coastal Zone, an area recognized for its environmental sensitivity and economic significance. These projects will focus on algae bloom monitoring, shoreline stabilization, and research on migratory bird patterns at Presque Isle State Park.
The DEP is also extending the application deadline for the PA Freight Innovations in Transportation (PA-FIT) Grant, now due on December 19, 2025. This program offers more than $23 million to support initiatives aimed at reducing diesel emissions, particularly in communities disproportionately affected by freight-related pollution.
“Reducing emissions from diesel engines is one of the biggest air quality opportunities facing Pennsylvania,” Shirley stated. Eligible projects can include engine upgrades, vehicle replacements, and improvements in idle-reduction technology, benefiting multiple sectors including trucking, agriculture, and marine operations.
This coordinated effort by the DEP highlights a comprehensive approach to enhancing environmental protections across Pennsylvania. By addressing pollution from industrial sources, investing in coastal restoration, and targeting emissions in affected communities, the agency aims to ensure cleaner water, stronger coastal defenses, and improved air quality for all residents of the Commonwealth.
