Residents living near PVR’s Chapin Glycol Dehydration Plant in Monroe Township, Wyoming County PA received word (via the grapevine) of flaring to take place on Wednesday, March 13.
Why PVR did not notify the residents directly and is relying on the grapevine to pass along the information is unknown. Apparently, PVR thinks common courtesy and “good neighborliness” notification is not necessary.
According to the grapevine, the Chapin plant is being shut down for approximately two hours for maintenance, at which time there will be flaring and extremely loud roaring noises. If there are problems with the maintenance process, the plant may have multiple start-ups and shut-downs resulting in more flaring and extremely loud noises for longer periods of time.
The plant went online in late spring of 2012, in September 2012 the Chapin station had an unscheduled discharge, and a second in November 2012.
Related: PVR Partners at it Again?
Following the Nov unscheduled discharge, residents met with local emergency services, PA Senator Lisa Baker (R) and PA Representative Karen Boback (R) to discuss their concerns. PVR was invited but failed to show up, no reason for their absence was given. At that meeting, the residents noted similar physical complaints which included spontaneous nose bleeds, head aches, sinus problems, breathing difficulties, noise and vibrations shaking their homes.
A reverse 911 system to alert residents of future “unscheduled discharges” was suggested. The logic of this mystifies me as when there is an “unscheduled discharge” the residents would be the first to know and would most likely be the first ones calling 911 to tell them of it.
Related: PVR – Where’s the Tactical Response Plan for PEOPLE?
On March 4, 2013 at a Monroe Township meeting, residents continued to express their concerns. Watch the WBRE news report. Residents had learned of PVR’s filing of a permit renewal for the Chapin plant and attended expecting some answers. Instead of answers, they were told to fill out some forms documenting their experiences and complaints. Residents had reiterated their complaints of noise, vibrations, nose bleeds, headaches and sinus infections.
Residents were told by Township supervisors that PVR had sent out information regarding the Chapin plant. None of the residents have indicated they received such information from PVR.
PVR was NOT at the township meeting. Surprised?
Township officials and First Responders have scheduled multiple meetings with PVR, however these meetings have been delayed, postponed, and rescheduled only to be canceled again and again. Another meeting
is scheduled for April 12 with PVR and first responders.
Got windsock? Local weather conditions for Wednesday, March 13, 2013 indicate Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph.
UPDATE 3/13/12 2:30PM: NO REPORTS OF FLARING OR NOISE. NO REPORTS OF ANY MAINTENANCE ACTIVITY. NO INFORMATION IF MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN CANCELED, POSTPONED OR RESCHEDULED.
©2013 by Dory Hippauf