Environmental groups press council to fund health department; controller audit cited for air-permit backlog

Speakers at the Allegheny County Council public-comment period urged the council to act on funding for the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD), pointing to an audit that found unresolved air-permit applications and arguing that delayed permitting harms residents with respiratory illnesses.

Nicholas Bartel, clean air campaign manager at PennFuture, told council that when permitting systems are underfunded, ‘‘things go bad’’: "When the permits sit for months, even years without action, things go bad. The difference is spoiled fried rice just smells bad. You can throw it out. However, with an underfunded air permit program, outdated permits mean outdated limits, and unpredictable backlog can drive businesses away. And delayed enforcement makes people sick." He cited a controller's audit showing six Title V permits awaiting a decision for more than 18 months.

Julie Kent, a member of the Pennsylvania Interfaith Impact Network (PIN), reiterated calls for a fully funded and staffed ACHD, noting the board of health recommended a permit-fee increase in September 2024 and urging council to bring the fee resolution to a vote. "Now it's time to act," Kent said, adding that residents of the Mon Valley and others with asthma need prompt enforcement and inspections.

Council members acknowledged the issue during liaison reports and public remarks. The meeting transcript records President Katina telling advocates there would be movement on the matter and cites Councilman Klein urging that only a fully funded program can perform the necessary oversight. Council members committed to taking up a fee-resolution proposal in November, according to public comments.

No ordinance or fee schedule was adopted at the meeting; the requests were presented as public comment and will require formal introduction and committee action before any change to ACHD funding or permit fees.