Methane Leaks Threaten Chaplin and its Neighbors

As a long-time resident of Ashford, I am very concerned about pollution from the Algonquin Gas Transmission/Enbridge compressor station in the neighboring town of Chaplin. After all, air pollution does not confine itself to the town where it is emitted!

Compressor stations are highly toxic facilities that burn gas in order to create pressure along interstate pipeline systems. They leak methane, an extremely dangerous greenhouse gas, into our air. My family has suffered from asthma even out here in the country, leading me to wonder how much pollution from the compressor station contributes to our poor air quality.

Right now, Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is considering the renewal of this compressor station’s permit to operate. As DEEP considers this permit, I hope they prioritize the health and quality of life of our communities. The small, rural towns in this area do not have access to natural gas hook ups. Dirty methane gas flowing through our towns and leaking from this compressor station, is not needed, or wanted, by residents who only feel the negative impacts.

I would like to see this permit denied. However, if it is passed, I suggest adding several requirements that will help to monitor and mitigate the harm done by the methane pollution. These include continuous air monitoring by DEEP, not spotty self-monitoring and reporting by Enbridge, and frequent and random inspections of the compressor station by DEEP. Enbridge should be required to notify residents in advance about large releases of gas (called “blowdowns”), other large emissions and/or noise events. Additionally, DEEP should require Enbridge to fund public health education to inform the community of known health risks associated with living near a compressor station. I would suggest signage detailing the health impacts of methane, mailings, and other methods to make this important information available to all.

Strong new federal methane regulations were recently passed that require existing gas infrastructure to reduce methane emissions. A new law requires fees if emissions exceed a set amount. These new regulations are missing from the draft permit. CT DEEP must amend the draft permit to include these important limits.

While Connecticut law mandates the state to reduce emissions by 80% by 2050,carbon dioxide equivalent emissions (CO2e) from the Chaplin compressor station have increased. In 2019, 2021 and 2022, emissions at the facility exceeded 50,000 metric tons annually of CO2e. The continued operation of the Chaplin compressor is not compatible with Connecticut’s climate goals, nor is it sustainable for our future. If approved, the draft permit would give approval to Enbridge to operate the facility for five more years - the length of the permit must be shortened. DEEP should plan to shut down the Chaplin compressor station in the near future, not extend a lifeline.

DEEP must focus on meeting Connecticut’s energy needs with renewable sources and move away from rubber stamping fossil fuel industry expansion.

Susan Eastwood

Ashford, CT