$2.3 billion fertilizer plant that was first conceived more than 12 years ago appears to finally be headed toward reality.

Cronus Chemicals LLC announced it has received approval from the Environmental Protection Agency on construction and air permits, clearing the way for development of an ammonia production plant 2 miles west of Tuscola.

Douglas County Economic Development Corp. Executive Director Brian Moody said the project will create an estimated 2,000 to 2,500 construction jobs at its peak.

“The construction period would be about four years,” Moody said. “It will employ about 130 full-time positions with another 20-30 contractors.”

The plant will produce 950,000 short tons of ammonia per year to be used in farm fertilizer and will use UHDE-Thyssenkrup Industrial Solutions technology.