The federal agency said its new policy doesn't mean facilities can exceed pollution limits. Meanwhile, Pa. DEP is developing guidance to evaluate requests to waive permit conditions.
They say miners are at particular risk: “They get dressed, travel down the elevator together…work in confined spaces, breathe the same air, operate the same equipment, and use the same shower facilities.”
The pipeline company said the waivers are necessary to prevent "potential adverse impacts to human health or the environment.” Critics say they are trying to skirt the rules.
On Tuesday, Shell said it was keeping the site open. On Wednesday, it said suspending construction was in the “best long-term interest of our workforce, nearby townships” and the state.
The slow down has helped power grid staffing at PJM, which runs the grid for 13 states and D.C. It had prepared for pandemics and even did dry-runs with their staff working from home.
