From the Pittsburgh Business Times:
Horseheard Holding Corp. announced Friday that Shell Chemical LP has exercised its option to purchase the company's site in Monaca.
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Shell has not made a final decision on whether or not it will build an ethane cracker plant, said Shell spokeswoman Kimberly Windon.
"This step means that we have determined the site is suitable if we decide to build the proposed cracker," she said.
She said the company will make a decision when its full project evaluation is complete. A timeline has not been set for when Shell expects to complete its full review of the site, according to Windon.
The purchase of the site is a necessary step for Shell to advance the permitting process. The company also needed ownership of the site to advance site preparation following the demolition of the former Horsehead facility, she said.
"Shell is very grateful for the strong support this project has received from the state, elected officials, the business community and neighbors in the community," she said. "We will continue our ongoing engagement with the community. This is not a final decision."