Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection has scheduled a public meeting and hearing on Dec. 15 on modifications to air and water permits for Shell Appalachia’s proposed ethane cracker plant in Beaver County.

That will be followed by a public hearing from 7 to 9 p.m. regarding the agency’s intent to issue a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) water permit amendment and its intent to authorize a modification to the already approved air plan for the plant.

Both hearings will be held at Central Valley High School, 160 Baker Road Extension, Monaca.

Those who wish to testify are asked to contact environmental justice coordinator Nora Alwine at 412-442-4137. Individuals will have up to three minutes to testify.

The agency will accept comment on the changes until Dec. 26.

Written statements on the water amendment should be sent to Clean Water Program, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, 400 Waterfront Dr., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15222.

Written statements on the air amendment should be sent to Air Quality Program at the same address.

Information on the proposed permit changes is available at: www.dep.pa.gov/About/Regional/SouthwestRegion/Community%20Information/Pages/Shell.aspx