Keltic Petrochemicals receives environmental approval

After an extensive review, Keltic Petrochemicals Inc. received the federal government’s approval to proceed with its $4.5 billion petrochemical project in Goldboro, N.S.

The conditions of the approval require the company to submit further documents for review by regulatory agencies, including an environmental protection plan, a site security plan, a marine simulation exercise and a marine terminal, and an emergency evacuation plan.

“This project has undergone rigorous review by all levels of government and the public,” said Keltic president Kevin Dunn. “The conditions placed on the federal approval, together with the conditions placed on the approval at the provincial level, will ensure the facility will be constructed and operated in an environmental sound manner.”

Keltic is working in strategic partnership with LyondellBasell Industries. Once completed, the Goldboro facility will consist of ethylene, polyethylene, propylene, and polypropylene plants in addition to a supporting cogeneration plant.

“I congratulate Keltic for their perseverance in bringing this project forward,” said Warden of the Municipality of the District of Guysborough Lloyd Hines. “This is a great announcement for our community and for our province. This project will bring many benefits to the county during both the construction and operations phases.”

Meanwhile, Keltic’s Dunn noted that the company still has a lot of work to do, but he looks forward to an “exciting next few years.”