DEP Approves New Shell Cracker Air Permit, NOx Limit Goes Up

Back in April, we told you the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) had once again extended the three "temporary" air permits for Shell's ethane cracker plant in Monaca (Beaver County) while the agency slogs through Shell's full Title V permit application (see PA Extends Temporary Shell Cracker Air Quality Permits Until Oct.). At the end of that post, we mentioned a separate permit pending before DEP, one covering flares, the wastewater treatment plant, and "as-built" pollution controls. The public comment period on it had just closed. On Sept. 22, DEP issued that permit, formally called Plan Approval No. 04-00740D. And yes, it raises Shell's allowed emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and several other pollutants. Cue the outrage from the usual suspects.

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