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Pennsylvania Shell ethylene cracker plant

Shell Splurges $14 Billion on a Plant That’s Practically a Comedy of Errors

Posted by John Donovan: 14 Feb 24

In a jaw-dropping display of financial gymnastics, Shell, the beloved titan of environmental stewardship (wink, wink), has officially admitted to dropping a cool $14 billion on their Beaver County ethane cracker plant. That’s right, folks—more than double their initial fairy tale estimate of $6 billion. It seems someone at Shell’s been playing a little too fast and loose with the abacus.

Shell CEO Wael Sawan, possibly while polishing his crystal ball, shared this financial marvel during a recent earnings call. Sawan, who stepped into the CEO spotlight last year, presumably without a magician’s hat, stated, “The fundamental is making sure that the $14 billion so or so of capital employed in Shell Polymers Monaca are generating the return.” Ah, the sweet sound of optimism or delusion? You decide.

As if the plot couldn’t thicken any further, Sawan confessed that the plant, which started its comedic opera of mechanical mishaps from day one, won’t be belting out its full earnings aria until the 2025-26 season. But wait, there’s more! Out of the three polyethylene trains meant to serenade us with plastics, one decided to go off the rails due to “equipment issues,” delaying the grand finale of plastic production. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Shell’s Pennsylvania Petrochemical Plant Costs Inflate to a Jaw-Dropping $14 Billion

Posted by John Donovan: 8 Feb 24

In a plot twist that no one saw coming (except maybe everyone), Shell has admitted that its petrochemical plant is more of a money pit than a cash cow, with costs ballooning to a comically oversized $14 billion. That’s right, folks – in what can only be described as a financial facepalm, Shell has managed to overshoot its initial guesstimate by a mere 130%, proving that when it comes to budget management, they’re as reliable as a chocolate teapot. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Shell’s Pennsylvania Plant: A Not-So-Smooth Start in the World of Ethylene Cracking

Posted by John Donovan: 7 Jan 2024

Welcome to the tale of Shell’s Pennsylvania Petrochemicals Complex, an ethylene cracker plant nestled in Potter Township, Pennsylvania.

This story begins with controversy, as most good stories do, which was so elegantly highlighted in an alarming New York Times article – “A Giant Factory Rises to Make a Product Filling up the World: Plastic” – published on August 2, 2019.

Fast forward to its first full year post a decade of planning and building, and oh boy, it’s been a rollercoaster! The plant had to press pause on production now and then for what they call ‘maintenance and adjustments.’ But wait, there’s more! It also caught the eye of state agencies, and not in a good way, racking up several citations for emissions and other trivial matters. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Shell fined almost $10 million for more toxic violations at its cracker plant in Beaver County

POSTED BY JOHN DONOVAN JULY 23, 2023

Oh, the magnanimity of Shell, the oil giant with a heart of gold!

Brace yourself for some heartwarming news, folks. Shell, the same company notorious for polluting the environment and exceeding emission limits, is now giving away a staggering $5 million! Wow, what a charitable gesture! But don’t get too excited. This tiny donation is just a fraction of the $10 million fine the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) slapped on Shell’s wrist for its reckless environmental violations. With some fancy PR spin, Shell claims this paltry sum will be used for “environmental and quality-of-life projects” in Beaver County. But is this a true act of remorse, or merely a clever attempt to polish Shell’s tarnished image? read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Shell’s Illusion of Economic Growth: Polymers Plant Leaves Beaver County High and Dry

Posted by John Donovan July 5, 2023

In a stunning turn of events, the Shell Polymers plant in Monaca, Beaver County, has failed to deliver the economic prosperity that was promised, according to a study conducted by the Ohio River Valley Institute. It seems that while the plant boasts a workforce of around 600 employees, it has actually resulted in a net loss of jobs and hindered economic growth in the county.

The researchers behind the study used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics spanning from 2012 to 2022, leading them to the undeniable conclusion that Shell’s presence has had a detrimental impact on the local economy. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Explosive Outrage in Beaver County as Shell’s Polluting Monstrosity Faces Public Backlash

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Shell should be held accountable and forced to either halt production or significantly reduce emissions for the sake of the environment and public safety.

Posted by John Donovan: 10 June 2023

BEAVER, Pa.- In a stunning display of frustration and anger, Beaver County residents have had enough of Shell’s relentless assault on the environment with its cracker plant. Since its opening last year, the Shell Polymers Monaca plant, also known as the Shell cracker plant, has been a cesspool of pollution violations, leaving local residents reeling.

On Thursday, a gathering of approximately 50 members from the Shell Accountability Campaign descended upon downtown Beaver to make their voices heard. The residents have reached their boiling point, demanding that leaders take action against Shell’s blatant disregard for the community’s health and well-being.

“We’re not asking for much, just a little thing called a livable environment,” sarcastically quipped Dustin White Sr. “I guess Shell thinks it’s perfectly acceptable to sacrifice our health and the health of our workers for the sake of their bloated profits. How considerate of them.” read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Shell’s industrial monstrosity In Pennsylvania spewing out a cocktail of toxic fumes

…this operation spews out a delightful cocktail of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere, including lovely chemicals like benzene, toluene, and naphthalene. Who wouldn’t want to breathe in those toxic fumes?

Posted by John Donovan 26 May 2023

Shell, the generous and environmentally conscious oil giant, finally faces some consequences after months of residents tirelessly raising concerns.

Pennsylvania has finally taken action and “cracked” down on the Shell plant, which has been causing havoc with its operations. In an act of goodwill, Shell has agreed to pay a measly $10 million to Pennsylvania for exceeding emissions limits during the plant’s troublesome launch. How thoughtful of them! read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Shell’s Generous Gesture: Paying Mere $10 Million for Air Violations and Restarting Plant Production

We can all sleep soundly knowing that Shell will continue to pollute our air and water, while the authorities turn a blind eye, and the community basks in the glory of their unwavering benevolence.

Posting by John Donovan 24 May 2023

In a stunning display of benevolence, Shell Chemicals Appalachia, LLC has agreed to part ways with a whopping $10 million as a token of their appreciation for repeatedly violating air pollution regulations.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) and the Shapiro administration have graciously accepted this gesture, marking their first feeble attempt at enforcement since the plant came online in November 2022. But fear not, residents, because Shell, in their infinite wisdom, has decided to resume operations without bothering to notify you in advance, just as they promised in that quaint virtual meeting back in April. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

More suspense at Shell’s Beaver County Cracker Plant

Posted by John Donovan: 19 May 2023

Let us rejoice in the glory of Shell’s magnanimous actions, for they are fixing the mess they created…

Oh, joyous news! Shell’s Beaver County Cracker Plant, the epitome of environmental responsibility, will be gracing us with its presence in “shutdown mode” for a few more weeks. Isn’t it delightful to see such a caring and compassionate corporation taking the time to address its countless issues?

Since its grand opening in November 2022, this model of excellence has managed to accumulate numerous citations from state regulators. Bravo, Shell! You’ve truly outdone yourselves in polluting and disregarding the well-being of our planet. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Shell Faces Lawsuit Over Blatant Air Pollution Violations at Cracker Plant

Posted by John Donovan: 12 May 2023

Shell Faces Lawsuit Over Blatant Air Pollution Violations at Cracker Plant

Shell is being hit with a federal lawsuit for its relentless breaches of permitted air pollution limits at its ethane cracker plant in Beaver County. Attorneys from the Environmental Integrity Project and Clean Air Council have taken legal action against Shell, highlighting the company’s repeated disregard for air quality regulations.

According to the lawsuit filed with the U.S. District Court for Western Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection has issued a shocking twelve violation notices related to air quality since January 2022. Additionally, Shell has submitted nearly forty malfunction reports during that time, yet the state has failed to take any meaningful enforcement actions or impose penalties on the company. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Shell Faces Federal Lawsuit for Repeatedly Polluting the Air

Posted by John Donovan: 12 May 2023

Shell Faces Federal Lawsuit for Repeatedly Polluting the Air

Oil giant Shell is under fire as an environmental group launches a federal lawsuit, accusing the company’s plant in Beaver County of flagrantly disregarding air pollution limits.

The Environmental Integrity Project and Clean Air Council are demanding severe penalties and an immediate cessation of what they denounce as Shell’s illegal release of smog-forming pollutants from the Monaca plant. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Shell tries to quash air quality fears as bad smells and elevated benzene counts emanate from Beaver County chemical plant

Shell tries to quash air quality fears as bad smells and elevated benzene counts emanate from Beaver County chemical plant

ANYA LITVAK Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

When a terrible odor blanketed the area around the Shell cracker plant earlier this month, residents had only their noses and sporadically high readings from public air monitors to assess the situation.

Many were left wondering what they were exposed to and whether it was dangerous.

On Tuesday, Shell officials held a virtual meeting to discuss the air monitoring results surrounding the event. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Odors, pollution leave residents uneasy as Shell reports release at cracker plant

Odors, pollution leave residents uneasy as Shell reports release at cracker plant

CHRISSY SUTTLES   Beaver County Times: 14 April 2023

POTTER TWP. – Strong odors from a “release of hydrocarbons” at Shell’s wastewater treatment plant are permeating parts of Beaver County.

Those living, traveling and working near Shell’s ethane cracker plant in Potter Township said the “kerosene-like” scent has persisted for at least two days, causing watering, burning eyes, headaches, nausea and other respiratory issues.

“It smells like if you burned rotten potatoes but used garage chemicals to do it,” said Mary Beth Eastman, a Beaver County resident who lives less than five miles from the plant. “I had a headache all afternoon yesterday, plus nausea. I have a headache again today. My daughter has been coughing for two days. She’s 12.” read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Shell: Expect ‘continuous’ flaring at Pennsylvania cracker plant during maintenance

Shell: Expect ‘continuous’ flaring at cracker plant during maintenance

CHRISSY SUTTLES   Beaver County Times

MARCH 28, 2023

POTTER TWP. – Residents should expect continuous elevated flaring at Shell’s ethane cracker plant as crews perform maintenance and repairs at the facility.

Shell leadership announced a controlled shutdown of portions of the Beaver County petrochemicals complex Saturday for repairs and maintenance on one of the unit systems.

“This will require us to fully activate our elevated flare for a period of time,” company representatives posted on Facebook. “We apologize for any noise or visual disruption this may cause our friends and neighbors.” read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Shell’s cracker plant is off to a bad (and dangerous) start

OPINION

Your Turn: Shell’s cracker plant is off to a bad (and dangerous) start

Joseph Minott  |  Special to The Times

19 March 2023

If the first three months of operations at Shell’s petrochemical plant are any indication, the next 30 years are going to be stressful and hazardous for nearby Beaver Country residents.

The community is locked into a lasting and significant source of plastics production and dirty air pollution that will degrade the Commonwealth’s air quality and our environmental legacy for decades to come. Shell clearly isn’t interested in operating safely or responsibly ― so it’s up to regulators and citizens to force them to get emissions in check.

The Shell Polymers Monaca plant in Potter Township officially began operations in November of last year. Even before opening day, the plant was already posing a threat to the surrounding community. From the very beginning, Shell has not managed to keep its pollution to safe and legal levels. It has set a terrible precedent for decades to come, and there’s no reason to expect Shell will act differently ― unless it’s forced to do so. read more

This website and sisters royaldutchshellgroup.com, shellnazihistory.com, royaldutchshell.website, johndonovan.website, and shellnews.net, are owned by John Donovan. There is also a Wikipedia segment.

Residents want answers about loud bang, orange glow at Beaver County Shell cracker plant

“Shell has received three notices of violations, submitted at least 10 malfunction reports and violated the prohibition on the visible mission…”: “Those effects can include things like cancer and respiratory aggravation, potentially leading to asthma.”

CBS PITTSBURGH

Residents want answers about loud bang, orange glow at Beaver County Shell cracker plant

MONACA, Pa. (KDKA) – Community members in Monaca are demanding answers after a loud bang and an orange glow filled the night sky from across the river at the Shell cracker plant.

Shell posted to Facebook apologizing for the loud noise Tuesday night, but residents KDKA-TV’s Meghan Schiller talked to said the explainer just left them feeling more confused and frustrated, and they still don’t know why there’s a hose spraying water at the plant almost 24 hours later.

“Eyes on Shell got notification from watchdogs around 9:50 or 10 o’clock at night of both the loud booms that are mentioned in Shell’s Facebook post as well as the light,” said Anaïs Peterson, Petrochemicals Campaigner with EarthWorks.

People started sending pictures to the community watchdog group Eyes on Shell. They shared pictures with KDKA-TV showing the dark smoke and bright orange color filling the sky.

“When they’re operating correctly, usually you don’t see any flare, any flame shooting out of the top,” said Dr. Clifford Lau, project manager of the Upper Ohio River Valley Monitoring Group. read more

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