Shell ethane ‘cracker’ project gets new vice president
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
Royal Dutch Shell recently named a new vice president for the ethane “cracker” plant project in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, according to the Beaver County Times.
Hillary Mercer assumed the role of vice president for the local Shell project, replacing its former vice president since 2014, Ate Visser. Mercer’s previous experience includes 30 years working for Royal Dutch Shell in a variety of roles. As vice president for the ethane “cracker” project, she will oversee all aspects of the project, from the construction of the plant and safety issues to production and customer relations.
The Beaver County project is a $6 billion investment by the company.
Learn more: Beaver County Times > Shell cracker project gets new executive leadership
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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.