DEP to Hold Hearings on Shell Petrochemical Plant Air Quality Plan Approval

The hearings will cover ground flares, wastewater treatment, and as-built air pollution controls at the facility.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has announced a public meeting on March 19 and a public hearing on April 7 regarding an air quality plan approval for the Shell Petrochemical Plant in Beaver County. The plan approval covers the facility's ethylene maximum achievable control technology (EMACT) project, wastewater treatment plant permanent controls, and reconciliation of as-built equipment and operations.

Why it matters

The Shell Petrochemical Plant is a major industrial facility in the region, and the public hearings provide an opportunity for community members to learn about and provide input on the facility's air quality plans and controls. This is an important part of the regulatory process to ensure the plant's operations meet environmental standards.

The details

The DEP plan approval covers three main components at the Shell Petrochemical Plant: the EMACT project to comply with federal flare regulations, upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant to improve oil, grease, and VOC removal, and reconciliation of the facility's as-built equipment and operations with its air quality plan approvals. The public will have a chance to learn about these projects and provide comments before the DEP issues its final plan approval.

  • The public meeting will be held on March 19, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
  • The public hearing will be held on April 7, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

The players

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

The state environmental regulatory agency responsible for issuing the air quality plan approval for the Shell Petrochemical Plant.

Shell Petrochemical Plant

A major industrial facility in Beaver County, Pennsylvania owned by Shell that is seeking an air quality plan approval from the DEP.

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What they’re saying

“Anyone wishing to present testimony should contact Emily Green, Southwest Environmental Justice Coordinator, emgreen@pa.gov or 412-442-4042, no less than 24 hours in advance of the public hearing to reserve a time to present testimony.”

— Emily Green, Southwest Environmental Justice Coordinator (PA Bulletin)

What’s next

The DEP will hold the public meeting on March 19 and the public hearing on April 7. After the hearing, the DEP will consider all public comments received within 10 days before issuing a final air quality plan approval for the Shell Petrochemical Plant.

The takeaway

These public hearings are an important part of the regulatory process to ensure the Shell Petrochemical Plant's air quality plans and controls meet environmental standards and address community concerns. The hearings provide an opportunity for local residents to learn about and provide input on the facility's operations.