The Department of Environmental Protection announced Friday it will host an open house and formal public hearing on May 1 to discuss a proposed air quality plan approval for MarkWest Liberty Midstream and Resources LLC to install and begin temporary operation of new equipment at its Smith Compressor Station. 

The facility is located in Smith Township, Washington County.

The open house and hearing will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Smith Township Municipal Building, located at 1948 Smith Township State Road in Slovan, Washington County.

The company is requesting approval to allow the installation and temporary operation of eight new rich burn natural gas-fired compressor engines.  The newly proposed engines have a higher horsepower rating than engines currently in operation at the facility. The company is also asking to increase the capacity of a currently authorized dehydrator.

At 6:30 p.m., the open house portion of the evening will begin with representatives from MarkWest making a presentation outlining their request.  DEP will explain the plan approval process. Then, company representatives will be available to further explain the request and answer questions.

Immediately following, at 7:30 p.m., members of the public may present up to five minutes of formal testimony for the public record. The testimony will be recorded by a court reporter and transcribed into a written document, and DEP will create a written response to all relevant testimony.

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.  Only those who register can give testimony at the public hearing.

For anyone unable to attend the public hearing, written comment should be submitted by the close of business May 11 to Alan Binder, PA DEP Bureau of Air Quality, Southwest Regional Office, 400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

Individuals in need of an accommodation as provided for in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 should contact John Poister at 412-442-4203 or make accommodations through the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at 1-800-654-5984 (TDD).

4/8/2013