Smoke billowing over Chartiers Township that could be seen for miles Monday was the result of equipment being put online at a Marcellus Shale gas production facility there, MarkWest officials said in a statement—but they said the public was never at risk.
"Over the past 24-hours, MarkWest has experienced several events at our (Chartiers Township) facility associated with bringing new equipment online, which resulted in the flaring of propane," spokesman Robert McHale said in the statement.
He added: "As designed, our automated safety control system isolated and directed the propane to the facility's flare while our operations personnel worked to make necessary adjustments. While the flare and smoke was visible at times, public safety was never at risk. Again, the safety equipment worked as designed, and we will continue to work with (the Department of Environmental Protection) to evaluate the issue and take the necessary steps to minimize the potential of similar events."
The company then thanked those in the area for their understanding.
"We appreciate the community's patience and understanding as this new equipment is put into operation," McHale said.
A DEP spokesman on Monday afternoon said an inspector was at the facility.
"We are following up on these reports with a further investigation today and if warranted we will take enforcement action," the DEP spokesman said.
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