PTT testing soil at site of proposed ethane ‘cracker’ plant
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
PTT is testing the soil at the former R.E. Burger power plant along the Ohio River in Belmont County to ensure the ground can support its proposed $10 billion ethane “cracker” plant, according to the Wheeling Intelligencer/News-Register.
“This is part of our ongoing feasibility and engineering work, including permit-related activities required through our contractors and consultants,” said PTT spokesman Dan Williamson. He also added that a final investment decision on building the plant remains under evaluation.
PTT controls about 500 acres for possibly building the ethane cracker.
Learn more: Wheeling Intelligencer/News-Register > PTT Ensuring Possible Belmont County Cracker Will Be on Solid Footing
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Marcellus & Utica Shale Well Map
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Shale FAQ
What is fracking?
Fracking is a slang term for hydraulic fracturing. Fracturing is a process by which highly pressurized fluid is pumped thousands of feet into the ground to fracture rock formations. The goal is to release the natural gas that’s locked inside the rock.
Is it safe?
What most concerns people about fracturing is ground water contamination. The worry is that fractures underground, caused by the process, will extending upwards and into aquifers, releasing gas and chemicals into the ground water supply. There’s been no confirmed reports of such a thing happening. Though surface spills and drill site blowouts can lead to localized environmental concerns.
Will my water catch on fire?
Flammable water is caused by the release of methane gas into a drinking water supply. Methane gas occurs naturally and can be released by any kind of drilling, including water wells. In Pennsylvania officials fined Chesapeake Energy $1 million for contaminating ground water with methane. It was determined that the company had not properly cemented it’s boreholes and gas migrated up the well, between rock and into aquifers.
This plant, along with the Shell ethylene unit may be the start of a network of Petrochemical Plants similar to the Gulf Coast network that started just prior to WWII. For a description, get a copy of the book “Giants on the River”
Where can I find more about Giants on the River?
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