Council Comments on Permit for Large Expansion at Sullivan County Station

 August 29, 2012 - This Monday the Clean Air Council submitted comments (attached below) on Plan Approval 57-00005A which PA DEP intends to issue to Appalachian Midstream Services to construct five engine compressors, three generators and an additional dehydration unit at the Cherry Compressor Station in Cherry Township, Sullivan County.

The Council commended AMS for adopting various elements of the Natural Gas STAR Program and urged PA DEP to recognize these elements as best available technology for all compressor stations. The Council also expressed its appreciation for the detailed nature of the plan approval review memo prepared by PA DEP (attached below). The Council is, however concerned that the Cherry Station will emit so much NOx that they will exceed national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS). PA DEP must require modeling to ensure maintenance of the NAAQS. The Council also suggested additional controls for NOx and greenhouse gases. The Council also notes that the aggregation analysis was insufficient. There are many wells owned by companies related to Appalachian that are connected to Cherry.