Apr 25, 2016 3 min read

A public hearing for a conditional-use permit submitted by EQM Gathering to build a compressor station and dehydration facility on nearly 87 acres in Union Township drew more than 70 people Monday night, including several residents who expressed apprehension the new structures could create environmental and noise issues and adversely affect their property value.

Several homeowners who live near the McIntosh Compressor Station and Dehydration Facility’s proposed construction site, adjacent to the Hartson compressor station on Finley-Elrama Road, crowded into the municipal building to hear a presentation from company representatives and experts designed to alleviate concerns about the project.

Representatives from EQM Gathering, EQT and other companies associated with the proposal explained the project, its location and possible impacts to people living nearby.

The McIntosh station will operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and one truck per day would visit the site.

David Jones, a sound engineer with SLR Consulting, explained a noise survey his company conducted and said the station will meet the township’s noise ordinance requirements. He said the buildings, inlet fans, exhaust ducts, mufflers and coolers involved with the project were acoustically treated to reduce the impact of the noise. The compressor station likely will emit a continuous noise while in operation.

The possibility of more noise in the area of the station and dropping property values were concerns for residents.

“I tried to sell my house, and people would come up my driveway and get out of their car and say, ‘What’s that noise?'” township resident Chris Adams said. “I’d point to (the Hartson compressor station) and they’d say, ‘I could never live here,’ and they’d get in their cars and leave. I’m trapped in my house.”

Residents also expressed concern about the potential for harmful emissions and pollution from the facility.

“I’m just very concerned about the environmental part,” resident Bonnie Kazior said.

A company representative said 98 percent of contaminants are destroyed at the site, and the state Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for overseeing testing conducted by the company once or twice a year. The company also performs weekly tests at the site.

Jack Macklin, director of operations for EQT in Pennsylvania said the company submitted an emergency action plan, and the pipeline’s control center is capable of remotely shutting down the compressor station should an emergency occur. The company also will hold training and orientation for local first responders to inform those crews about the pipeline and how to respond in the event of an emergency.

If all required permits are granted, construction on the compressor station and dehydration facility would start in March 2017 and be completed in October 2018.

Supervisors have until May 9 to make a decision on the conditional use application.