Ethane Cracker in Monaca, Pennsylvania

The Clean Air Council, in partnership with the community, industry professionals, and academics, conducted a health impact assessment of a proposed Royal Dutch Shell natural gas and chemical processing complex in Monaca, Pennsylvania. The proposed facility is known as a “cracker,” which separates natural gas and chemical feedstocks into different compounds that are used primarily in manufacturing plastics.

Although the complex would have economic benefits for the region, the HIA said that plans need to address potential health impacts for air quality, noise and light pollution, increased construction-related traffic, economic impacts, quality of life impacts, and emergency management practices. The report recommended mitigating potential harms through fence-line monitoring, dust control plans, and educational investments in the community.