BROOKFIELD, Conn. – New York’s Department of Environment Conservation has approved air permits for the expansion of two compressor stations along a state-crossing pipeline that cuts through Connecticut. As part of the expansion project, Berkshire Hathaway and TC Energy are also seeking to double the size of a compressor station in Brookfield, Connecticut within 1,900 feet of a middle school.
BROOKFIELD, Conn. – New York’s Department of Environment Conservation has approved air permits for the expansion of two compressor stations along a state-crossing pipeline that cuts through Connecticut. As part of the expansion project, Berkshire Hathaway and TC Energy are also seeking to double the size of a compressor station in Brookfield, Connecticut within 1,900 feet of a middle school.
An air permit for the Brookfield expansion, still under review by Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), is now the final permit remaining before construction can begin in both New York and Connecticut.
The proposed Brookfield expansion – located in a severe ozone non-attainment area – will increase further exposure to carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and other pollutants, according to a 2024 study . Due to the serious health and safety risks, experts recommend compressors stay at least 1.8 miles away from occupied buildings. The proposed Brookfield expansion is located within a mile of 800 residential buildings, home to 2,000 residents.
In December, Physicians for Social Responsibility visited the Brookfield Compressor Station to record footage using a high sensitivity FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared) OGI (Optical Gas Imaging) camera. At the time of the visit, only one of the station’s two compressors was running and showing signatures of heat and hydrocarbon emissions. Footage from the camera shows large plumes of hot gases with uncombusted hydrocarbons being exhausted from the facility and into the community.
“All eyes are on Connecticut,” said Samantha Dynowski, State Director of Sierra Club’s Connecticut Chapter . “Rejecting the Brookfield air permit is DEEP’s last shot at protecting local families, residents, and students from the dangers of doubling an already polluting fossil fuel facility. DEEP must reject the proposal and ensure better air monitoring and community notification of the existing compressor station’s emissions into Brookfield.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org .
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