The Department of Environmental Protection will host an open house and public hearing on October 30, about a permit application from Laurel Mountain Midstream LLC for the construction and operation of new equipment at its Shamrock Compressor Station in German Township, Fayette County.

The hour-long open house and hearing will be at 6:30 p.m., at the New Salem, Fayette County, Volunteer Fire Department at 650 Footedale Road. The informal open house will allow residents to gather information and ask questions about the company’s plan approval application. Company officials and DEP staff will be available to answer questions.

The company’s request calls for the installation and temporary operation of a natural gas-fired turbine, an emergency generator and other equipment. The new natural gas-fired equipment would result in changes to emissions from the facility, which would have to be approved under the new Air Quality Plan Approval.

Immediately following the open house, at 7:30 p.m., the public may present formal testimony for the public record.

Those who wish to present oral testimony should contact DEP Community Relations Coordinator John Poister at 412-442-4203 or register that evening prior to the hearing.

For anyone unable to attend the public hearing, written comment should be submitted to Alan Binder, PA DEP Bureau of Air Quality, Southwest Regional Office, 400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or via email to abinder@pa.gov. The public comment period will close on Dec. 3.

Individuals in need of an accommodation as provided for in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 should contact John Poister or make accommodations through the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at 1-800-654-5984 (TDD).

10/29/2012