Question
What does the Falcon carry?
answer
Ethane. The full name of the pipeline is the Shell Falcon Ethane Pipeline and it goes from ethane sources to the Shell Ethane Cracker Plant in Monaca, PA
Sediment from a right of way off of my property is eroded and destroyed part of my property. Can I take action?
Most likely. In general, if someone has done something to cause material to come onto your property and damage your property, you can take legal action. Success, though, depends on many factors, like the actions the operator compared to industry practices, extreme weather events, how much damage was done, the nature of the damage done, and whether the sediment entered any streams or wetlands, among other factors.
Is this a local/state/or federally regulated pipeline?
This pipeline is mostly State regulated, but federal and local government also play a role. It is permitted by the Ohio EPA and US Army Corp of Engineers with sign off from local authorities and the Public Utility Commission.
Are there safety concerns we should be aware of?
Yes ethane is odorless which makes it difficult to detect leaks. It is also a natural gas liquid which heavier, and 150x more flammable than natural gas. These are just a few concerns.
Question
Will it affect our taxes?
answer
Yes, but it depends on which taxes. An easement of any kind on your property can decrease your property value, royalties coming in from easement is taxable income, however district is in most cases receiving tax revenue from pipeline company—how this all balances out for you as an individual (net loss or net gain) depends on particular property and town at issue.
What is a natural gas liquid?
Natural gas components that condense into liquids when refrigerated. These include propane, butane, and ethane. Often they are used in petrochemical plants to create plastics and fertilizers.
Have people really lost their drinking water? How many?
Yes. In Pennsylvania approximately 12 reported and in Ohio we know of 1 reported though we need to doo further research. That does not include those who have signed a release of liability in exchange for temporary replacement by the pipeline builder.
How far underground is the Falcon Ethane Pipeline?
As little as 4 ft. and as much as 133ft under the Ohio River.
Question
How long will the pipeline last?
answer
It’s impossible to know for sure but the steel being used is rated for 50 years.
Where does the pipeline material come from?
We don’t know for sure but we do know it did not come from the United States as Shell applied for exemption for the President’s steel import tariffs. We also know it came over on a ship that is owned and managed by a South Korean company
What can I do to protect my well water?
The most important thing to do is to have your water tested. This will help you prove responsibility if things go wrong. Go to our water testing page for more information.
