EPA is Reviewing the Compressor Station Air Permit
New York – May 14, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — After conducting a thorough review of the application, supporting materials and public comments on the Algonquin Incremental Market (AIM) Project, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) issued a Water Quality Certification, and a Freshwater Wetlands and a Stream Disturbance permits to reconstruct portions of the federally regulated Algonquin Pipeline that traverse through Rockland, Westchester and Putnam counties. Construction of the project is subject to the conditions in the Water Quality Certification and permits.
The proposed AIM Project includes the expansion of existing pipeline systems in New York and three other states, including replacement of approximately 15.7 miles of pipeline in Rockland, Westchester and Putnam counties, and installation of two new compressor units at the Algonquin’s existing Stony Point Compression station in Rockland County and another at the Southeast Compressor Station in Putnam County.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has primary jurisdiction for the environmental review of interstate pipelines. FERC issued its approval in March 2015.
DEC maintains the authority to review applications for specific permits and approvals. These include Air Title V permits for the proposed compressor station upgrades, as well as a Water Quality Certification, Stream Disturbance and Freshwater Wetlands permits for portions of the pipeline upgrades. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reviewing the revised proposed Title V permits for the existing southeast and Stony Point compressor stations.
The federal FERC process includes an environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and precludes states from conducting a separate state-level environmental review. The permit conditions will protect New York’s natural resources during construction of the project.
Additional information on this project can be found on the DEC website/webpage titled: Permit Documentation for Notable Projects on DEC’s website.
