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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Southwest Community Information

    ​Shell Chemical Appalachia, LLC Petrochemicals Complex

    Site Background

    In June 2016, Shell Chemical Appalachia LLC (Shell) proposed plans to construct a petrochemicals complex in Potter Township, Beaver County. Shell has renamed the facility Shell Polymers Monaca Site. The facility includes an ethylene cracker that uses ethane (a natural gas product) to produce polyethylene (a common type of plastic). This first-of-its-kind facility in Pennsylvania required several complex environmental reviews, approvals, and permits from DEP for new construction, remediation of contamination from previous industrial activities on the property, and operation. The facility has been constructed and began operating in fall 2022.

    What's New

    Visit the Environmental Mitigation Community Fund page for the latest on the process for allocating $5 million for projects to benefit the environment, health, and quality of life in Beaver County. The Shapiro Administration secured the funding as part of its settlement of air quality violations by Shell Chemical Appalachia, LLC during the commissioning of its cracker plant in Potter Township.

    Inspection reports, malfunction reports, notices of violation (NOVs), and other compliance documents are regularly added to the Facility Information page as they become available.