DAQ to hold public hearing on Mill Spring compressor station Wednesday

COLUMBUS — The public will have a chance to get some questions answered next week about the PSNC compressor station currently under construction in Mill Spring.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Air Quality will host a public hearing at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the R. Jay Foster Hall of Justice, located in the Womack building in Columbus.

During the public hearing, DAQ officials will give a short presentation on the draft air quality permit as well as answer questions from the audience.

During a Polk County Board of Commissioner meeting last week, several residents expressed their concerns about the new compressor station, including air quality and noise pollution in close proximity to Polk County Middle School. Residents living near the compressor station also asked if the county has the resources to handle an emergency situation at the site.

Commissioners agreed last week to request the DAQ hold a public hearing to address residents’ concerns. Commissioners also invited PSNC officials to present the project and address concerns, with officials saying they have placed their own noise regulations on the station, as there are no county or state ordinances to regulate the sound level, and have to meet air pollution regulations.

According to a press release sent by DAQ, the facility’s application was reviewed by the agency to determine compliance with air pollution regulations.

“The results of that review led to a primary determination that the project could be approved, and the DAQ air permit issued if certain permit conditions are met,” the release stated.

The public comment period for the permit ends next Thursday on the draft permit to construct and operate a new compressor station.

This facility’s application for the proposed facility was reviewed by the DAQ to determine compliance with air pollution regulations. The results of that review led to a preliminary determination that the project could be approved, and the DAQ air permit issued, if certain conditions are met.

PSNC is constructing the new compressor station off Silver Creek Road in Mill Spring, approximately 1 mile from the intersection of Highways 108 and 9.

Comments will be taken during the public hearing Thursday as well as through emails to publiccomments@ncdenr.gov by typing “PSNC Silver Creek Road New Compressor Application” in the subject line.

Written comments can also be mailed to Patrick Ballard, 2090, U.S. Highway 70, N.C. Division of Air Quality, Swannanoa, NC 28778.

DAQ officials said all comments and other information will be considered before deciding whether to issue the final permit, to deny the permit or issue the permit with conditions.

To see the draft permit, people may visit https://deq.nc.gov/news/events/public-comment-period-ends-public-service-company-nc-mill-spring-compressor-silver-creek.