DEP Holds Dec. 15 Hearing On NPDES Permit For Shell Ethane Cracker Plant In Beaver

The Department of Environmental Protection has scheduled a hearing for December 15 on the proposed NPDES wastewater and stormwater permit for the Shell Ethane cracker plant in Beaver County.  (formal notice)

The hearing will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Central Valley High School, 160 Baker Road Extension, Monaca, PA 15061.

Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. There will be a question and answer session from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m, followed by the formal hearing from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The purpose of the public hearing is to take testimony concerning DEP's intent to issue NPDES Permit No. PA0002208 to Shell Chemical Appalachia LLC for the discharge of treated industrial wastewater and stormwater from the Shell Chemical Appalachia Petrochemicals Complex located at 300 Frankfort Road, Monaca, PA 15601 to Poorhouse Run, Ohio River, Rag Run, and Unnamed Tributary to Ohio River located in Potter Township, Beaver County.

Multiple requests to hold a public hearing were received during the public comment period from community members to allow the opportunity to gather information and provide informed and meaningful comments on the proposed project.

DEP published notice of the draft NPDES permit in the Pennsylvania Bulletin on September 3, 2016 to allow for public comment regarding this proposal (PA Bulletin page 5741). Appointments may be made to review the DEP files on this case by calling the File Review Coordinator at 412-442-4000.

The Department will accept and record testimony concerning the NPDES application and draft NPDES permit. Persons wishing to present testimony at the hearing should contact DEP's Environmental Justice Regional Coordinator, Nora Alwine at 412-442-4137 before 3:00 p.m. on December 14th.

Organizations are encouraged to designate one witness to present testimony on behalf of the organization. Persons unable to attend the hearing may submit three copies of a written statement and exhibits within 10 days thereafter to the Department of Environmental Protection, Clean Water Program, 400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-4745.

Individuals in need of an accommodation as provided for in the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 should contact the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at 1-800-654-5984 (TDD) to discuss how DEP may accommodate your needs.