A proposed $272-million expansion of the Iroquois gas transmission system in Brookfield that sparked intense local opposition is getting its application process reopened after pushback from lawmakers and residents to ensure more public transparency, according to a town official.
The project seeks to add two new compressor units to an existing station on High Meadow Lane, increasing pipeline capacity without installing a new pipe, but requires final state air quality permits before moving forward. The “Enhancement by Compression” project aims to push an extra 125 million cubic feet of natural gas through the pipeline daily.
Critics of the project say the new compressors would cause air-pollution and health hazards. Environmental groups such as Save the Sound say it represents a doubling down by the state on fossil fuels, just as the state continues to fail to meet its climate goals. Others point to concern that the project would be located just 1,900 feet from Whisconier Middle School.
But local officials say that after coordinating with state leaders, including Gov. Ned Lamont and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, that some changes for the project have been announced. Officials with DEEP recently agreed to reopen the application process for an adjudicatory hearing to allow for more public input and transparency around the proposal, local officials said. In addition, the agency said it would require more enhanced air testing at the facility, due to air quality concerns from residents.
The project is now awaiting a final air quality permit decision from the state pending public comment and information requests.
“After speaking with Governor Lamont’s Chief of Staff, he notified me that the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will be reopening the Iroquois Gas Compressor application and will allow the town to apply for an Adjudicatory Hearing. Additionally, they will be requiring enhanced air testing at the facility. At this point, a final decision has NOT been made to require Iroquois to use electric compressors. However, this is a WIN for Brookfield and our residents who have been fighting for changes,” said Brookfield First Selectman Steve Dunn in a social media post.
DEEP reopened the application review to allow local participation following rare intense bipartisan pushback from town officials and residents, according to Dunn.
“Very positive news, and it’s a testament to the hard work of people of all ages and backgrounds throughout Brookfield who spoke out to demand changes. We joined together to cite the environmental risks for everyone in our community, and we have been unified in demanding transparency. Thank you to all who have been involved in this effort, and our vigilance must continue,” said Sen. Stephen Harding, R-Brookfield.
According to DEEP, a hearing on the application was held in January and, following it, the applicant requested to increase the carbon monoxide emissions limits in “the four permits from a total of 3.25 tons per year to a total of 12.25 tons per year.”
The agency noted that the commissioner had “reviewed the requested increase and hereby gives notice that a combined tentative determination has been reached to approve these amended applications with the requested increase in annual CO emissions” but also gave “notice that a hearing may be held on these applications if requested in accordance with applicable law, including Public Act 25-84.”
The application, permits, and supporting documentation for the project are all available upon request to the public, according to DEEP. Those documents can be viewed at DEEP’s Bureau of Air Management at 79 Elm St., Hartford, on the 5th floor. Officials say walk-ins are not allowed and documents can only be viewed on an appointment basis Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments to view files can be made at https://shorturl.at/X1upW.
DEEP officials also say that anyone can now express their views on the project through public comments. Written comments should be directed to Mr. James Grillo with the Bureau of Air Management, no later than Aug. 24. Comments can be submitted by email to [email protected].
Stephen Underwood can be reached at [email protected]