Tag: Marcellous Shale

WVU Parkersburg Preparing for Petrochemical Jobs

West Virginia University at Parkersburg is working to identify the major industries and staffing needs associated with the proposed ethane cracker plant in Wood County.  

In November 2013, the Brazil-based Odebrecht Organization announced a location near Parkersburg, W.Va. for an ethane cracker and associated polyethylene plants. Appalachian Shale Cracker Enterprise, or project ASCENT, will use ethane produced in West Virginia as a result of the development of the Marcellus Shale gas drilling.

WVU Parkersburg hired Dr. Tom Witt, a former business researcher at West Virginia University to analyze the school’s current program offerings and the economic impact of this new development. Witt says his report  can provide guidance as to the kinds of jobs associated with the overall growth of a petrochemical industry. He says WVU Parkersburg can use this information to prepare educational and workforce programs for students.

In an earlier report for the school, Witt outlined other industries in the region likely to see growth with the development of a petrochemical complex. These include such sectors as food services, wholesale trade businesses, real estate, healthcare, legal services, retail and others.

Marcellus Shale Production Hits New High

Federal energy experts say Marcellus Shale natural gas production has hit an all-time high.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration says that production from West Virginia and Pennsylvania totaled about 15 billion cubic feet per day in July. That’s more than seven times the 2010 production.

The Marcellus Shale generally lies about a mile or more underground, and is the most productive natural gas field in the U.S. At current rates the total yearly production is the energy equivalent of about 800 million barrels of oil.

The EIA says it expects Marcellus production will continue to grow.

EPA Seeks Comment on Fracking Chemicals Disclosure

  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking public comment on ways to disclose information about the chemicals used in the oil and gas drilling process known as fracking.

The EPA says in a Friday release that it is also seeking input on incentives and programs that could help develop safer fracking chemicals.

The 90-day comment period is an advanced notice of proposed new rules, but is no guarantee that the regulations will become law. The EPA could also propose voluntary steps for energy companies to take. During the fracking process water, sand and chemicals are injected into such deep underground formations to free oil or gas.

The gas rich Marcellus Shale lies under large parts of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio and New York. 

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