Shell Chemical took its 835,000-mt/year steam cracker in Deer Park, Texas, offline Monday, Platts reports. Market sources said subsequent startup attempts resulted in a second process upset in as many days. A Shell spokesman did not comment on the facility’s status.
Meanwhile, a regional air authority in Washington state on Tuesday accused Shell of taking shortcuts in shutting down and decontaminating a flare system at the company’s Puget Sound refinery. The Northwest Clean Air Agency said Shell’s actions resulted in a release of hydrogen sulfide, dimethyl sulfide, mercaptans and benzene and sickened people in the nearby community.
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