The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection cited Shell Chemicals Appalachia LLC for exceeding its emissions limits after operations began at its ethane cracker plant near Pittsburgh, according to Natural Gas Intelligence.

Shell’s complex commenced operations last month, however, its emissions of volatile organic compounds exceeded the limits of its air quality plan, according to the DEP. The air quality plan allows emissions of less than 516.2 tons over a 12-month period.

Shell submitted data to the DEP that showed for the one-year period ending in September, VOC emissions reached 521.6 tons. The data also showed that VOCs reached 662.9 tons for the period ending in October. Until September, the facility’s emissions were below its 12-month rolling limits.

Learn more: Natural Gas Intelligence > Pennsylvania Cites Shell Cracker for Emissions Violations Tied to Flaring