Beaver County Marcellus Awareness Community

The Beaver County Marcellus Awareness Community (BCMAC) is a nonprofit organization focused on protecting the residents of Southwestern Pennsylvania, with a specific emphasis on those in Beaver County. The organization primarily addresses the health, safety, environmental, and economic impacts associated with fracking infrastructure and the petrochemical buildout in the region.

Mission

BCMAC aims to inform the public about the various concerns related to shale gas extraction (fracking) and support sustainable alternatives to carbon-based energy sources. The organization promotes economic development strategies that prioritize community well-being and environmental sustainability.

Initiatives

One of BCMAC's significant initiatives is the Eyes on Air platform, designed to provide real-time air quality data and foster community awareness and advocacy. This platform includes:

• Real-time air data from the AirSense project, which utilizes five Aeroqual AQM 65 monitors strategically placed across Beaver County.
• PurpleAir map integration, showcasing broader regional air quality trends.
• Mobile ENMET eGC air monitor, used for targeted testing of hazardous pollutants like benzene and 1,3-butadiene. Residents can participate in the monitoring process by hosting the mobile monitor.

The AirSense project is funded by the Environmental Mitigation Community Fund, established as part of a Consent Order between the Department of Environmental Protection and Shell Chemical Appalachia LLC. This fund supports local projects beneficial to Beaver County residents, following Shell's acknowledgement of exceeding emission limits and commitment to corrective actions[1].

BCMAC also collaborates with other organizations, such as The Breathe Project, on initiatives like Project SPOTlight, which provides residents with free PurpleAir sensors to monitor PM2.5 levels, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of local air quality[1].

Advocacy and Engagement

Beyond its environmental monitoring efforts, BCMAC engages in advocacy and policy work. For example, the organization has been involved in supporting rulemaking petitions before the Environmental Quality Board (EQB), advocating for increased minimum setback distances between fracking wells and sensitive locations like homes, schools, and hospitals[3].

BCMAC uses community engagement strategies, including focus groups, surveys, and social media discussions, to ensure its initiatives reflect the needs and concerns of local residents. This collaborative approach allows the organization to develop tools and campaigns that are relevant and effective for the community[1].