The Department of Environmental Protection Wednesday announced it will hold an informal meeting, followed by a public hearing, on November 10, to discuss an air quality plan approval submitted by Columbia Gas Transmission Corp. to make modifications to its existing Easton Compressor Station in Northampton County.

Both the meeting and hearing will be held at Easton Area Middle School, 1010 Echo Trail in Easton. Residents will be given the opportunity to direct questions to both DEP and Columbia Gas at the meeting, beginning at 5 p.m. The public hearing will immediately follow, beginning at 6 p.m.

“This is an opportunity for DEP to hear what the public has to say about the application and the process,” DEP Northeast Regional Director Mike Bedrin said.

The company is proposing to replace its two existing turbines with two new natural gas-fired compressor turbines, an emergency generator and ancillary heating sources.

Residents who wish to present testimony will have the opportunity to register at the meeting, prior to the hearing. Individuals in need of an accommodation as provided for in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 should contact Colleen Connolly at 570-826-2511 or make accommodations through the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at 1-800-654-5984 (TDD).

Residents who cannot attend the hearing should send written comments to Mark Wejkszner, Air Quality Program Manager, 2 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701.  Written comments will be accepted until 4 p.m. on November 24.

The plan approval is available for review by the public at DEP’s Northeast Regional Office in Wilkes-Barre and Bethlehem District Office until Nov. 21. To make an appointment, residents should contact the Northeast Regional Office at 570-826-2523, or the Bethlehem District Office at 610-861-2070.

For more information, call 570-826-2511.

10/20/2014