Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley Thursday toured a limestone processing plant owned by Graymont Inc. in Pleasant Gap, Centre County, to get a first-hand look at how Marcellus Shale is helping the company grow and create jobs.

“Marcellus Shale is putting Pennsylvanians back to work; and not just at the drill sites.  Family-sustaining jobs are being created right here in Pleasant Gap thanks to natural gas,” Cawley said.

Graymont is a leading producer of lime, which is used in treating the wastewater from natural gas drilling, among other applications.  Producing about 1 million tons of lime products a year, the Pleasant Gap plant is the largest of four Graymont plants in Centre County.

In addition, the company plans to build a state-of-the-art, low-emission kiln powered by natural gas.  Kilns are used to “cook” the limestone to produce quicklime.

Graymont expects the natural gas-powered kiln to increase production at Pleasant Gap plant by more than 25 percent and generate 50 new, direct and indirect jobs in the region.

“Gov. Corbett and I believe we must do more than just drill for gas here in Pennsylvania.  We need to use the gas here in Pennsylvania.  Graymont is a perfect example of how affordable, natural gas is helping companies grow,” Cawley said.

Cawley noted that the gas kiln will be in addition to two coal-fired kilns already in operation at Pleasant Gap.

“Whether it is coal, oil or natural gas - wind or solar, Pennsylvania is leading America to energy independence,” Cawley said.

10/15/2012