Construction of the plant was Pennsylvania’s largest industrial project since World War II, according to Gov. Tom Wolf.
From “nurdle” pellets to synthetic fishing line, researchers find plastic fragments in all 50 waterways sampled.
Reader questions helped focus our attention on the new reality of western Pennsylvania as a petrochemicals hub.
Built with the biggest tax break in state history, the plant will employ 600 people permanently. But air pollution and other concerns are driving some people away.
Environmental groups and researchers want to establish a baseline for the small pieces of plastic, so they can tell if nurdles are getting into the river from the massive plant.
By
Julie Grant/The Allegheny Front
The ethane cracker received the largest tax subsidy ever in Pa., employed as many as 8,500 during construction, will have 600 permanent jobs and is sparking both hope and concerns from people who live near it.
The plastics plant was the beneficiary of $1.65 billion in tax credits, and will produce 1.6 million tonnes of plastic a year.
Shell says the spill was caused by faulty equipment.
Shell said the odors could be associated with anti-corrosion treatments to the plant’s cooling water tower.
Largest construction site in the country had over 100 cases in December; photos show mask policy not always followed.
