We received results from the sample we collected on June 5 in response to the incident that occurred at the Shell plastics plant. Please find the results outlined in the infographic below along with links to the information recently released by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). If you'd like a black and white version for printing, let us know and we can provide it. And of course if you have any questions, feel free to post them here or use this link to ask questions related to data.
SPOTlight_June5_Sampling Results
Links Included in PDF
BreatheCam footage of incident in furnace 5 -
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1199068391697197
Quantity of VOCs released during incident - https://files.dep.state.pa.us/RegionalResources/SWRO/SWROPortalFiles/Shell/7-16-25/Shell_Chemical_Appalachia_NRC_RecissionofNotification_IncidentReport1433121_20250617.pdf
DEP malfunction report - https://files.dep.state.pa.us/RegionalResources/SWRO/SWROPortalFiles/Shell/7-16-25/Shell_Chemical_Appalachia_Furnace_5_Malfunction_Report_20250703_Redacted.pdf
Complete list of malfunction reports -
https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dep/about-dep/regional-office-locations/southwest-regional-office/southwest-community-information/shell/facility-information#accordion-3f6124f4c8-item-3b5893530d
This sampling update was written by Emily Klein, Program Manager for Project SPOTlight with Breathe Project. Her work supports Beaver County residents in understanding how the petrochemical buildout has impacted air quality and health outcomes in the region. Emily partners closely with community members to distribute air monitors that provide real-time, localized data residents can use to better understand the air they’re breathing. She holds a master’s degree in Global Health from Duke University, where she conducted air quality research in both Mongolia and Los Angeles. Prior to that, she worked for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, managing community partnerships during the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally from Pittsburgh, Emily also holds a BA in Urban Studies and Anthropology from the University of Pittsburgh. She is passionate about connecting people to the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to advocate for their health and create change in their communities.