The Department of Environmental Protection Monday announced it will issue an Air Quality Plan Approval to Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC to modify their existing natural gas compressor station in Forks Township, Northampton County.

The company will replace two natural gas-fired turbines and an emergency generator.

“The air quality plan approval application underwent a thorough review by our Air Quality Staff and the department determined that the project satisfies all applicable requirements, including the best available technology for reducing emissions,” said DEP Northeast Regional Director Mike Bedrin.

DEP held a public meeting and hearing on the plan approval on Monday, November 10, 2014 at Easton Middle School located at 1801 Bushkill Drive, Easton. During the meeting and hearing, the department answered questions and took testimony from residents regarding the plan approval. Representatives from Columbia Gas attended the hearing and meeting.

The department also accepted written comments from the public during an initial comment period that began on August 23, 2014, and during a comment period that followed the public meeting and hearing.

DEP prepared a comment/response document to address both the oral and written public comments it received about this proposal. Residents may view a copy of the plan approval and comment/response document on DEP’s website.

For those who do not have internet access, copies of the plan approval and comment/response document are available at DEP’s Northeast Regional Office at 2 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre.

For more information, call 570-826-2511.

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