SHELL CRACKER SUPPORTERS SHOW UP IN FULL FORCE AT PA DEP AIR QUALITY HEARING
May 6, 2014
Community support for the proposed Shell Cracker facility in Monaca PA was evident at a May 5th Pennsylvania DEP hearing held to discuss the Air Quality plan for the Beaver County industrial project.
DEP scheduled this hearing to gather public input about air quality issues associated with Shell’s proposal. The agency’s air quality pre-construction review program normally requires prior approval of a plan before construction of any new air contamination source. Shell has demonstrated that proposed emission rates will not cause or contribute to violations of National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
Of the nearly thirty public speakers at the hearing, twenty spoke in favor of the Shell proposal. Kevin Sunday from the PA Chamber of Commerce highlighted Shell’s efforts in improving air quality standards utilizing new technology. Beaver County Commissioner Joe Spanik compared steel production to this new opportunity for high quality job opportunities in Beaver County while Rebecca Matsos, Chairperson of the Potter Township Board of Supervisors, discussed the overall positive impact this facility would have on her community.
Erica Loftus, President of the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce, promoted the economic impact the project would have in Beaver County as did Jack Manning, a Beaver County Chamber Board member. The Beaver County Building Trades Council was well represented at the hearing in favor of the proposal with many audience members and Larry Nelson making an oral presentation.
Those opposed to the Shell proposal focused their comments on air quality. Gayle Mustad, from the Clean Air Council, spoke in opposition.
Moving forward, DEP will review all comments and testimony presented at the hearing. Regulations provide for an additional 10-day period following the May 5th hearing for persons unable to attend to submit written testimony to DEP.
Submitted by Robert Johnson, President of ADKL.org
Robert can be reached at rjohnson@adkl.org
