Press Statement about the Shell Polymers flaring and alarm event that took place in Monaca, PA on February 17, 2026
- Kate Krauss
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
FLIR video of the event is available here
(Pittsburgh) A highly concerning flaring event took place on February 17, 2026 at the Shell Cracker Plant (Shell Polymers Monaca) Potter Township, Beaver County, Pennsylvania. The flaring event was observed by two staff members of Physicians for Social Responsibility Pennsylvania (PSR PA). A PSR PA staff member recorded FLIR video of the incident. PSR PA has submitted an incident report to the state Department of Environmental Protection. When community residents complained about an alarm which sounded an hour prior to PSR PA’s observation of the event, Shell officials told residents that it was a “false alarm.” PSR PA FLIR video, however, indicates a large heat signature and significant hydrocarbon emissions.
Said Tonyehn Verkitus, Executive Director of Physicians for Social Responsibility Pennsylvania, “When large-scale flaring and hydrocarbon emissions are visible, the public deserves transparency. Health professionals who care for families in this region need accurate facts in order to properly advise and treat their patients. As an organization focused on the health and well being of Pennsylvania communities, we have asked the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to follow up on this reported ‘false alarm.’”
Said DiGuilio, “I’m frustrated that residents did exactly what they were told…call Shell when they need answers…only to be told it was a false alarm. As a certified optical gas imaging thermographer, I documented what appears to be emergency flaring, something the public cannot see with the naked eye. We’ve seen similar events before that were later tied to benzene releases and Clean Air Act violations. The community deserves full transparency and immediate communications.”
Looking at the facility from the Vanport waterfront without the use of specialized equipment, DiGiulio observed a large flame burning in the ground flare area earlier in the day. During the 6 p.m. session, the ground flare was no longer visible from across the river, though the seven large stacks known as the “Seven Sisters” appeared to be operating, and a steam-assisted flare showed visible emissions—an appearance consistent with routine operations at the cracker plant.
However, when the site was viewed through an optical gas imaging (OGI) camera equipped with FLIR technology, conditions appeared markedly different. The rear “soup can” unit was in full operation, registering a large heat signature and releasing significant hydrocarbon emissions that were not visible to the naked eye.
PSR PA staff members are collaborating with community partners (BCMAC and Breathe project) who were tracking local community chats, which are time stamped. Multiple residents were told by Shell that the alarm they heard (about one hour before we arrived) was a “false alarm.” Said DiGuilio, “If that was the case, why was I seeing what I understand to be emergency flaring?”
Timeline of events on Feb 17, 2026 observed by Chris DiGuilio, PSR PA’s Director of Environmental Science and Investigations, Certified Optical Gas Imaging Thermographer
8:08 am: Routine check of the Shell Cracker Plant from across the river. FLIR OGI imagery shows the two soup can flares were inactive.
2:15pm: Imaged Shell Cracker Plant from Vanport because I noticed the ground flare was flaring more than I have ever seen when I was driving across the bridge. FLIR OGI shows the emissions from the ground flaring.
6:08pm: Imaged from across the river, same place as 8:08am visit. FLIR OGI images show the soup can flare furthest from me was highly active with a significant heat signature and a large amount of hydrocarbon emissions. This told me the flare was being used for some type of emergency flaring event for a particular part of the process of making polyethylene. (Dr. Lau can help with this) A large plume was captured moving over the facility. Towards the N-NW
6:20 pm: The closest soup can flare began showing a signature of emissions.
6:39 pm: Both soup can flares are fully active and showing a signature of hydrocarbon emissions.
Here is a Reddit thread in which residents discuss Shell responding to their concerns by telling them that the incident was a false alarm:
About Physicians for Social Responsibility Pennsylvania:
Physicians for Social Responsibility Pennsylvania (PSR PA) is a public health, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to champion the health of all communities by advocating for socially and environmentally just actions.