Shell has seen profits fall compared to last year. Credit: Shell.

Shell has been fined $10m for emission limit breaches at its plant in Beaver County, Pennsylvania, US, but expects further breaches.  

A press release from the office of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said: “Shell formally acknowledged that it exceeded total emission limitations for air contaminants, agreed to make repairs to reduce future exceedances, and agreed to pay nearly $10m to the Department of Environmental Protection and the local community.“  

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Shell will pay a $4.9m civil penalty, 25% of which will be directed to local communities. It will also be required to spend $5m on environmental projects within the community. Shell will also pay monthly civil penalties for the rest of 2023. 

The company said that some of the emissions came from “malfunctions” and that it anticipates more annual emissions limit breaches until late 2023. This covers the commissioning phase of the plant, but the company expects lower emissions during normal operations. 

Shapiro said: “My administration will hold all companies – no matter how big or small – accountable when they violate the laws and regulations protecting our air and water.” 

Environmental controversy continues at Shell refinery 

Located in the Potter and Center townships, Beaver County, the petrochemical plant began operations in November 2022. The site produces polyethylene by cracking ethane and has faced environmental criticism for both emissions production and the creation of single-use plastics. 

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Shell’s plant has been the subject of ongoing controversy since its opening. In addition to emissions violations, the US Department for Environmental Protection has criticised Shell for flaring and malodour violations at the plant. 

Last week, Shell’s plant was in “shutdown mode” in order to fix flaring and wastewater issues. Shell stated that it “fully expects to be back in operation in the next few weeks, if not sooner”. 

Shell’s CEO Wael Sawan has referred to the problems as “technical niggles”, saying the company seeks to continue production once they are solved.

Shell has not yet responded to Offshore Technology’s request for comment.