The Proposed Site For NOVA Chemicals Polyethylene Plant (Blackburnnews.com Photo By Josh Boyce)The Proposed Site For NOVA Chemicals Polyethylene Plant (Blackburnnews.com Photo By Josh Boyce)
Sarnia

NOVA Announces Preliminary Plans For Texas Polyethylene Facility

NOVA Chemicals has announced a joint polyethylene venture in Texas as it continues to explore building a new world-scale polyethylene plant in St. Clair Township.

The Calgary-based company and Borealis AG have signed a preliminary agreement for a joint venture with Total Petrochemicals and Refining that will develop a new light feed cracker and polyethylene facility in Bayport Texas.

A final investment decision is expected late this year, pending NOVA Chemical's board and regulatory approvals.

In a news release issued Monday, President and CEO Todd Karran says the opportunity will complement their existing asset structure in Canada and broaden their polyethylene product slate as they continue to grow their business in the Americas.

The joint venture is expected to provide competitive export access to markets outside of North America to help meet the growing global demand for polyethylene.

NOVA Chemicals Corporate Communications Leader Jennifer Nanz says the company continues to explore building a second polyethylene facility in the Sarnia area using its Advanced SCLAIRTECH technology with a final investment decision to be brought to the company's board of directors sometime this year.

A site on Rokeby Line south of NOVA's existing Corunna plant is under consideration for the potential $2-billion plant.

St. Clair Township Mayor Steve Arnold says NOVA Chemicals is a world stage player and the polyethylene market continues to grow.

"We are one of a number of projects that they've been looking at," says Arnold. "I was never told that anything is an either or."

Arnold says municipal staff continue to work through the site plan process with the company.

"That work has been ongoing now for about the last year, directly," he says. "Their final site plan was just sent back to them for final comments before they make their presentation to council. So everything still seems to be well in order for whatever plans NOVA have locally."

Read More Local Stories