PADEP Asks Shell Chemical Appalachia to Submit Title V Operating Permit Application

MONACA, PA (March 21, 2024) — Shell’s Beaver County plastics plant will no longer be able to operate under a construction permit. The Clean Air Act and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations require that a facility submit a Title V Operating Permit application within 12 months of commencing operation.

Despite starting operations in November 2022, the plant was still renewing its construction permit with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP). PADEP issued a letter on February 22, 2024, directing Shell Chemical Appalachia to submit a Title V Operating Permit application within 120 days. Once that application is submitted, PADEP must issue or deny the permit within 18 months. 

“Since its opening in late 2022, Shell’s Beaver County plastics plant has been a serial lawbreaker, illegally emitting many tons of pollution into the air we breathe,” said Alex Bomstein, Clean Air Council Executive Director. “PADEP’s order to Shell to apply for a Title V Operating Permit for its plant sets up the public and our environment with better protection from harmful pollution, and allows the public to file comments and petition the EPA to object to any potential shortcomings in the resulting permit.”  

Shell exceeded its 12-month rolling emission limits for volatile organic compounds (VOC) beginning in October 2022 through April 2023, carbon monoxide (CO) from February through March 2023, nitrogen oxides (NOx) from December 2022 through April 2023, and hazardous air pollutants (HAP) from December 2022 through April 2023. In addition to emissions violations, PADEP cited Shell for flaring violations from June 2022 through April 2023, and malodor violations from its wastewater treatment plant in January, February, and April 2023 – which included discharging benzene into the Ohio River. 

Beaver County Marcellus Awareness Community (BCMAC) sent a letter to PADEP today requesting that once they receive Shell’s application it will be posted on their website so that the community has ample time for view. BCMAC will also ask that a public hearing be held to allow sufficient time for public comment. 

“We’re working with local, regional and national partners who have the legal and technical experience with Title V permits to ensure that Beaver County residents will be accurately informed every step of the way,” said Hilary O’Toole, Executive Director of BCMAC. She continued, “We will be scheduling meetings and educational events throughout Beaver County to engage municipal leaders and community members.” 

The PADEP must receive Shell’s Title V application by June 21, 2024.