Food & Water Watch: Shell’s plant is spewing air pollution and blowing past permit limits in Western Pennsylvania, so we're pushing to hold it accountable, write Food & Water Watch's Mia DiFelice and Robin Lesko.
In a nutshell:
Shell Polymers Monaca, a plastic-producing ethane cracker plant in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, has faced a troubling start since opening in 2022. The facility, which promised economic benefits, has instead been plagued by malfunctions, permit violations, and hazardous pollution. Excessive flaring, emissions of toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other pollutants have raised concerns for nearby residents' health. Furthermore, this plant contributes significantly to plastic pollution and climate change due to its massive plastic production. Despite a recent $10 million penalty, Shell's environmental impact remains a pressing issue, highlighting the need for continued accountability and stronger government oversight.
Key quote:
"Shell Polymers has huge consequences not just for the local community, but for the planet and the climate. In a time of crisis-level plastic pollution, these plants turn ethane (derived from natural gas) into ethylene, a key ingredient in many plastics," write DiFelice and Lesko.
The big picture:
Cracker plants can lead to significant environmental consequences. They release toxic emissions, including cancer-causing volatile organic compounds, posing health risks to nearby communities. These facilities contribute to plastic pollution, exacerbating environmental issues. In addition, their operations often come with unfulfilled promises of economic benefits, impacting local justice and prosperity negatively. Strong accountability measures and vigilant oversight are essential to address these multifaceted challenges.
Read the article at Food & Water Watch.
Proponents of Shell's massive plastics plant in Pennsylvania promised the site would bring economic development to a long-struggling region. Those promises have failed to materialize, writes Kristina Marusic for EHN.
