The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a public meeting and hearing on November 8, to answer questions and accept comments regarding an air quality operating permit for the Fayette Energy Facility in German Township, Fayette County.

The 5 p.m. meeting and hearing will be at the Masontown Volunteer Fire Department at 221 N. Washington St.

The Fayette Energy Facility, a gas-fired power plant owned by Duke Energy Fayette II LLC, has been online since March 2003, operating under the terms of the plan approval DEP issued in 2002.

The agency is currently reviewing the company’s application for a Title V Operating Permit, which would authorize the continued use of those approved terms for its two gas turbines, auxiliary boiler, diesel pump engine, diesel emergency generator and cooling towers.

No emission or equipment changes are being proposed in the permit request.

During the public meeting, Duke Energy and DEP will make short presentations about the permit application and the agency’s review process, followed by a question-and-answer session. Immediately following, at 6 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 Barbara Hatch, PA DEP Bureau of Air Quality, Southwest Regional Office, 400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or via email to bhatch@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