Rep. Foncello Statement on DEEP Tentative Determination on Iroquois Compressor Station Application
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State Representative Martin Foncello issued the following statement on DEEP’s tentative determination on an application impacting Brookfield:
“I am disappointed by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s tentative determination to approve the Iroquois application for the compressor station expansion, especially when they acknowledge that the proposed activity will affect air resources. I wrote a letter to DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes in June with the concerns of Brookfield residents and elected officials with the proposed compressor station expansion, which I also shared in a CT Post op-ed. I support the recommendations from the Town of Brookfield, which I urge DEEP to consider. They include requiring Iroquois to hire an independent air testing firm to determine ambient air quality, along with annual testing after construction is completed to ensure the plant meets air quality standards. Given the proximity to Whisconier Middle School, approval should also be contingent on safety and security controls being implemented, such as adequate security fencing, on-site personnel, and earthen barriers to protect nearby residences. Ideally, there should also be an emergency alarm system for the public.”
A hearing may be held if the Commissioner determines it’s in the public interest. Petitions for a public hearing and the public comment period are open for 30 days. Details on how to comment or petition of a hearing can be found on the DEEP public information notice of the preliminary decision here.