Work is expected to be back underway soon on Nova Chemicals’ AST2 polyethylene facility and Corunna Cracker Expansion projects near Sarnia.

In March, the Calgary-based company cut back operations at the sites by approximately 90 percent—to only critical equipment lifts and deliveries. The measure was intended to curb the spread of COVID-19.

It announced on April 15 that it would begin slowly resuming operations at both sites, and gradually bringing back up the number of construction workers.

“Through a phased approach, we intend to safely and steadily resume some construction activities on both projects,” the company said in a statement. “We will continue monitoring the situation and adjust site activities as needed, keeping worker safety and well-being at the forefront while progressing our business-critical construction projects.”

About 600 tradespeople work at the sites. The combined construction value of both is over $2.2 billion.

Nova announced on April 15 that it has put in place “significant steps” to ensure worker safety on its sites. New measures include increased communication with contractors and unions, daily site audits to ensure compliance with government protocols, steps aimed at maintaining physical distancing, along with setting up additional hand-washing trailers and stations. These are in addition to rigorous screening measures for those entering the site.

"This unprecedented time has demanded that our response measures be swift and strategic, focused on maintaining the safe, reliable operation of our manufacturing facilities and the safe, steady progress of our construction projects,” said regional manufacturing director Tom Thompson. “The safety and well-being of our employees, contractors and community remains our primary focus."

Work on another major Nova Chemicals’ project—in Alberta—remains suspended. The company was in the midst of conducting commissioning and construction activities on the site when the COVID-19 pandemic worsened. It has said it will continue to monitor the situation before deciding to resume activity on that site.

When complete, the AST2 facility will enable Nova Chemicals to produce approximately one billion pounds of polyethylene per year. Its Corunna Cracker Expansion will increase capacity as its plant by more than 50 percent.

It is not yet clear how the pandemic delays will affect delivery of Nova Chemicals’ Sarnia projects. The company had originally planned to start them up in late 2021.