DEP Extends Air Quality Plan Approvals Allowing Temporary Operation Of The Shell Petrochemical Plant In Beaver County; Title V Application Still Under Review Since July 2024

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the April 25 PA Bulletin announcing it has extended the three Air Quality Plan Approvals to allow the temporary operation of  the Shell Petrochemical Plant in Center and Potter Townships, Beaver County until October 28, 2026.  (PA Bulletin, page 2319)

The permits were due to expire on April 28, 2026. The plant began operating in November 2022.

DEP has been extending the Plan Approvals until a full Title V Air Quality permit can be put in place for the facility.

Shell submitted the Title V Air Quality permit application for the petrochemical plant on June 19, 2024 and DEP accepted the application as administratively complete on July 2, 2024.  Read more here.

DEP has not yet completed its review of the Title V application or released a draft permit for public review.

On December 18, 2024 DEP said the agency will review the Shell Petrochemical Plant Title V Air Quality Permit application under the “enhanced public participation process” established in its Final Environmental Justice Policy holding local stakeholder meetings, one or more public meetings and a hearing.  Read more here.

Air Quality Plan Approval Pending

A public comment period just closed on April 17 for a separate Air Quality Plan Approval for ethylene and air pollution controls on ground flares, the wastewater treatment plant and as-built air pollution controls at the Shell Plant.  Read more here.

Beaver County residents commenting on the Plan Approvals opposed the increase in air emission limits proposed by DEP and urged DEP not to give a new air permit to Shell before they comply with the existing one. Read more here.

Visit DEP’s Shell Petrochemical Plant webpage for more information.

Resource Links:

-- Beaver County Residents Tell DEP To Enforce Existing Shell Petrochemical Plant Air Pollution Limits, Not Give Them A New Permit Increasing Pollution [PaEN] 

-- The Allegheny Front: DEP Proposes Shell Petrochemical Plant Air Permit With Higher Emission Limits In Beaver County [PaEN] 

-- DEP Publishes Corrected Notice Of Shell Petrochemical Plant Air Quality Plan Approval March 19 Meeting, April 7 Hearing In Beaver County [PaEN] 

-- DEP Extends Temporary Air Quality Permits For Shell Petrochemical Plant In Beaver County; No Schedule Yet For Public Review Of Full Title V Air Quality Permit Accepted July 2024  [PaEN] 

[Posted: April 24, 2026]  PA Environment Digest