Don’t blame gas industry for cinder shortage
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I would like to address and correct a few points in Mike Jones’ March 3 article, “Road crews dealing with shortage in cinders supply.”
Unfortunately, the story didn’t fully reflect the facts and market dynamics. As an aggregates producer and a supplier to the natural gas industry, PennDOT and local municipalities, we understand both the supply and use of all sizes and types of material that are required for winter road treatment, road maintenance projects and new infrastructure projects. To blame the natural gas industry for the shortage of cinders or anti-skid is incorrect.
Very few natural gas companies use cinders for winter road treatment. The main reason there is a cinder shortage is the shutting down of coal-fired power plants, which has limited the supply. While it is true that the natural gas industry uses a large amount of stone in various processes, including repairing and upgrading roads at no cost to the taxpayer, most of the stone they use is of a different size than what is used for winter road treatment. The stone used for winter road treatment is also one of the main ingredients used in asphalt, which was in great demand in 2014, and will be in great demand again in 2015 due to the new gasoline taxes which are being used to repair roads. While there is a short-term inconvenience now, the driving public will benefit as roads are repaired.
A second reason there is a limited supply is that the severe winter weather has caused both an increased demand and has hampered the ability of producers to meet it.
It is important to understand that while these demands, and the costs associated with them, will inherently ebb and flow, and may cause inconveniences from time to time, the net benefits – more folks going to work in high-paying jobs, enhanced infrastructure and stronger energy security – are strengthening our region’s economy. To blame one group for either shortages, cost increases, or lack of production is not correct.
Your readers should know that our company and our customers, and their local employees, whether they work for a private entity such as a natural gas company, or a state or local government agency, are especially proud to be contributing positively to so many aspects of our region’s growing economy.
Barry Fink
Washington
Fink is the vice-president Laurel Aggregates in Morgantown, W.Va.