The Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP) on Thursday submitted a petition adorned with 250 signatures asking the Allegheny County Health Department to deny installation permits sought by Knoxville, TN-based plastics company Eastman Chemical Resins Inc., which operates a facility in Jefferson Hills.

The reason why? Eastman’s plant is a major source of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOCs are a type of pollution regulated by the Clean Air Act. The Clean Air Act requires Eastman and other major sources of air pollution to have what’s known as a Title V Operating Permit.

“Eastman and ACHD need to prioritize Eastman’s compliance with the requirements of a seven-year-old federal consent order over authorizing increased production limits, which carry with them increased pollution,” said GASP’s Senior Attorney, John Baillie.

In addition to submitting the petition, GASP also submitted formal comments on Eastman’s installation permit applications.

For more information, or to read the full petition, visit the GASP website.