Letter to the editor: Shell must do better for Monaca community

In the article “Activists: Shell cracker plant not living up to ‘good neighbor’ promises” (Feb. 2, TribLIVE), spokesperson Curtis Thomas claims Shell alerts the community about flaring events.

This flaring, seen miles away, is apparently just a part of the plant operating, but Thomas’ statement is inaccurate. Shell Monaca has alerted only once since September of a flaring event. Additionally, the plant disturbs nearby residents with noise and light pollution at all hours of the day and night. Shell has also polluted the air well beyond the generous allowances already given to them. None of these issues were communicated in advance to the community. This community rolled out the welcome mat for Shell, but the welcome has worn out.

There’s a lot more they could do, but will they? Will they join a community meeting and answer questions? Will they listen to impacted residents and reduce these disturbances? Will they even just notify people in advance of these disruptions? It’s not a tall order, but Shell continues to disappoint even its most fervent supporters. It’s time they acknowledge these legitimate concerns — it’s unlikely they’ll be a good neighbor, but they could at least attempt to be a tolerable one.

Julie Grey

Beaver