MARKWEST HYDROCARBON LLC - SILOAM FRACTIONATION FACILITY: Oil Extraction in South Shore, Kentucky

MARKWEST HYDROCARBON LLC - SILOAM FRACTIONATION FACILITY is an operational oil extraction facility located at 2 Markwest Dr, South Shore, Kentucky, in Greenup County. The facility is part of the natural gas liquids (NGL) fractionation sector, which separates raw NGLs into usable products like ethane, propane, and butane. Its location in the Appalachian Basin provides access to abundant natural gas resources from the Marcellus and Utica shale formations. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for oil and natural gas production. Fractionation facilities typically employ cryogenic or distillation processes to separate NGLs, and this facility likely uses similar technology. The NAICS codes 211112, 211120, and 211130 indicate involvement in natural gas liquid extraction, crude petroleum extraction, and natural gas extraction, respectively. As a fractionation facility, it plays a key role in the midstream oil and gas value chain by processing raw NGLs into marketable products. Its location in Kentucky supports regional energy infrastructure and provides feedstock for petrochemical industries. The facility's operational status contributes to the local economy and energy supply, while its environmental impact is managed through EPA regulations and industry best practices.

The facility is situated in a region with significant shale gas development, which can impact local water resources and air quality. Fractionation processes involve volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and greenhouse gas emissions, requiring compliance with EPA's New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for the oil and gas sector. The facility's proximity to the Ohio River raises considerations for spill prevention and water protection under the Clean Water Act.