Feb 19 (Reuters) - Total Sa TOTF.PA :
* TOTAL SAYS SIGNED DEFINITIVE AGREEMENTS WITH BOREALIS AND NOVA CHEMICALS TO FORM A JOINT VENTURE IN PETROCHEMICALS ON THE U.S. GULF COAST.
* TOTAL SAYS WILL OWN 50 PERCENT AND NOVEALIS HOLDINGS LLC, A JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN BOREALIS AND NOVA CHEMICALS, WILL OWN THE REMAINING 50 PERCENT.
* THE AGREEMENT INCLUDES A NEW $1.7 BILLION ETHANE STEAM CRACKER THAT IS BEING BUILT ALONGSIDE TOTAL'S PORT ARTHUR REFINERY AND TOTAL/BASF EXISTING STEAM CRACKER.
* THE PROJECT, WHICH IS SCHEDULED TO START UP IN 2020, WILL CREATE AROUND 1,500 JOBS DURING PEAK ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY