Bianca Sanchez, bianca.sanchez@sierraclub.org
BROOKFIELD, Conn. – Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) received over 190 comments all in opposition to its tentative decision to approve permits for the Iroquois gas pipeline “Enhancement by Compression” project. If given final approval, the project will expand pipeline-adjacent compressor stations, one within 1,900 feet of the Whisconier Middle School in Brookfield, Connecticut and two in Athens and Dover, New York.
Brookfield residents, as well as others across Connecticut, New York, and Pennsylvania submitted powerful comments against the Berkshire Hathaway and TC Energy proposal, with many offering suggestions to mitigate and more effectively monitor pollution from the facility. The Brookfield Board of Selectmen, Stop the Brookfield Compressor Station Coalition, and Save the Sound also filed petitions for an adjudicatory public hearing, which the developers have fought against. These petitions are currently pending before the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
The Brookfield expansion – located in a severe ozone non-attainment area – will increase further exposure to nitrogen oxides (NOx), 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.
Here is a collection of quotes from submitted comments opposing the permit approvals.
“Pollution from such sources as these gas turbines is the cause of so much misery for our children. My son suffered from asthma. Watching your child struggle for breath is horrible. Knowing that a huge company, Iroquois (really TC Energy), is to be allowed to put more of these pollutants into our neighborhood air, especially since our only middle school is adjacent to this facility, is unconscionable. Why should Connecticut residents bear the burden of these pollution spewing compressors to increase Iroquois’ profit?” – Kerry Swift, Brookfield resident.
“It is crucial to recognize that Connecticut is not only failing to attain federal Clean Air Act standards but is also dangerously off-track in meeting its state climate targets. Approving the Brookfield Compressor Station Expansion without broader scrutiny undermines both public health and climate imperatives.” – Daniel Myers, Brookfield resident.
“Connecticut has a plethora of environmental laws and regulations in effect presently, NONE of which support the expansion of fossil fuel energy. The residents of Brookfield and surrounding towns can no longer shoulder the risks of fossil fuel pollution. People here are very concerned and the overarching sentiment is to encourage DEEP to deny the permit applications.” – Kathy VanDuzee and Joanne Cafiero, Brookfield residents.
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