Jan 9, 2014 1 min read

MONACA (AP) – An environmental group says it is surveying residents about a proposed $2.5 billion petrochemical plant that Shell Oil Co. has said it may build on the site of a closed western Pennsylvania zinc smelter.

The Beaver County Times reports that the Clean Air Council began a survey last month on the proposed plant in Beaver County’s Potter Township, about 25 miles northwest of Pittsburgh.

Sean McCormick, one of the survey’s authors, said a yearlong health impact assessment of the proposed “cracker” plant to be completed this summer will balance possible negative effects on air quality, water, and traffic against pluses such as revitalized industry and more high-paying jobs.

McCormick said the organization isn’t for or against the proposed facility but wants the community to know what to expect.