The Department of Environmental Protection will conduct an open house and formal public hearing on January 21 on a plan approval request by Equitrans to install and begin temporary operation of new equipment at its existing Jefferson Compressor Station in Greene County.

The open house and public hearing will be held from 6 p.m. to 8:p.m. in the Jefferson Township Volunteer Fire Department social hall, located at 1483 Jefferson Road, Jefferson, PA 15344.

Equitrans has proposed to install and operate a 16,301 horsepower natural gas-fired combustion turbine. The proposed turbine would drive a centrifugal natural gas compressor which would be used to send natural gas through pipelines.

As part of the open house, DEP will make a brief presentation explaining the plan approval process. Equitrans will outline their project and company representatives will be available to answer questions.

Following the open house, a formal public hearing will be held for members of the public to make formal testimony for  public record. Those who wish to participate in the formal hearing should contact DEP Community Relations Coordinator John Poister at 412-442-4203 or by email to: jpoister@pa.gov to register. Registration will also be available at the social hall prior to the hearing. Only those who register may present testimony.

Members of the public who are unable to attend the hearing can send written comments to Devin Tomko, PA DEP Bureau of Air Quality, Southwest Regional Office, 400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. All written comments must be received by January 31st.

For more information, call 412-442-4000.

1/20/2014