Study: Shell cracker plant to contribute $3.7B to Pa. economy annually
Monday, July 19, 2021
Shell Chemical Appalachia’s cracker plant in Beaver County is expected to contribute $3.7 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy annually, according to a study prepared by Robert Morris University.
When the plant becomes operational, which is expected in 2022, the study estimates $132 million in direct labor income from the 600 jobs directly created by the plant and an increase of 11,197 jobs and $1 billion in total labor income when the direct, indirect and induced effects of the plant are considered.
Additionally, Tax revenue will be about $21 million a year in state income taxes and $7 million in local income taxes.
Of the total anticipated $3.7 billion in economic value a year, the study estimates the plant will contribute between $260 million and $846 million in economic activity in Beaver County and $3.3 billion a year for the 10-county region in Pennsylvania surrounding the Pittsburgh area.
Learn more: Pittsburgh Business Times > RMU study sees big economic boost from Shell’s Beaver County plant
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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.