The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality (DAQ) is currently reviewing proposed modifications to air quality permits for two compressor stations linked to Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Co. LLC’s Southeast Supply Enhancement Project.
Transco has requested upgrades at Station 150 in Mooresville, Iredell County, and Station 155 in Lexington, Davidson County. These changes could lead to increased air pollution at both sites.
Public comments on the draft permits are being accepted until November 19. The DAQ will hold two public hearings: the first on November 13 for Station 150 at Lake Norman High School in Mooresville, and the second on November 18 for Station 155 at Edward C. Smith Civic Center in Lexington. Comments can also be submitted by email or voicemail using contacts provided by the agency.
Station 150 currently operates under a Title V air quality permit as a major source. The proposed modification would allow installation of a new natural gas-fired combustion turbine and an emergency generator, but the facility would remain classified as a minor source of hazardous air pollutants. The permit would require that emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO) be kept below 250 tons per year.
At Station 155, which now holds a small air quality permit with NOx and CO emissions below 100 tons per year, the modification would enable three new natural gas-fired turbines and emergency generators to be added. This change would increase emissions to major-source levels and require a Title V permit; however, it would still be considered a minor source of hazardous air pollutants. Emissions limits for NOx and CO would also be set at less than 250 tons per year.
Both facilities must comply with federal emission standards. According to DAQ’s review of air dispersion modeling, toxic pollutant emissions from both stations are not expected to exceed acceptable ambient levels.
“The public is encouraged to attend the upcoming public hearings and provide comments on the proposed actions. Sign-up will be available upon arrival. Oral comments at the hearings should be limited to three minutes or less. Written comments may also be submitted during the hearings.”
To request Spanish interpretation services for either hearing, individuals can call or email DAQ by October 31.
“DAQ will consider all public comments before making a final decision on the proposed permits. Comments on these projects can also be submitted until Nov. 19 via the voicemail numbers and email addresses above, or mailed to:
NCDEQ Division of Air Quality
1628 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1628″
Documents related to each station’s draft permit are available online through DEQ’s website.
