Shell Suspends Work On Massive Cracker Plant Amid Coronavirus Concerns
March 24, 2020
Royal Shell halts construction on its Beaver County, Pennsylvania petrochemical complex in an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
In an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus, Royal Shell suspends construction of its Beaver County, Pennsylvania ethane cracker plant, according to an article from The Weirton Daily Times. Work on the massive petrochemical complex has reportedly been moving forward since November 2017.
According to the article, an estimated 7,000 employees have been working at the site along the Ohio River, parking offsite and riding buses to the plant and congregating for daily meetings. County officials, residents and environmental groups have reportedly been pressuring Shell to temporarily freeze the project. The company issued a statement, saying, “In the days ahead, we will install additional mitigation measures aligned with (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidance. Once complete, we will consider a phased ramp-up that allows for the continuation of safe, responsible construction activities.”
