SHELL conducted a community forum at the Beaver County Community College Golden Dome on May 28th, 2015. This has been one of a series of forums sponsored by SHELL to provide updated information regarding the proposed cracker facility as well as address questions from the public
There were a number of speakers making brief presentations highlighted by Jeff Krafve, SHELL Project Manager. Some of the topics covered were public safety, economic impact, transportation, parking, noise, water, and air quality, potential environmental waste from the facility, and support of community/non-profits.
SHELL staff highlighted their support of the Beaver County Conservancy, United Way, and other nonprofit activities. Upon final approval of the project, Route 18 will be moved along with the current I 376 interchange location. Regarding possible plant environmental waste issues, SHELL plans to reuse all by- products and emphasized that little to no waste remains as a result of their manufacturing process. SHELL emphasizes being a good “environmental steward” and they will prioritize public safety. They will do their best to operate the plant around existing work and school activities in Beaver County.
SHELL is reviewing noise suppression technology to keep plant noise to a minimum. They are also planning to treat water on site.
As far as making the final decision to build the cracker plant, SHELL is considering three factors:
- Obtaining all of the necessary public permits (air quality permit is pending).
- There must be enough feedstock (wet gas supply) to keep the plant operating long-term into the future.
- The cracker plant must make economic sense for the Shell portfolio.
There was no discussion about a decision date so stay tuned. SHELL plans to have another community forum within a few months where the main topics will be jobs and opportunities. For more information about the SHELL cracker facility please go to: www.shell.us/poly-e or email to
SHELL officials are to be commended for planning this forum. It was very informative and well done.
By Robert Johnson
President, ADKL