Iroquois pipeline expansion clears court hurdle in Connecticut
A Connecticut Superior Court judge has dismissed a lawsuit challenging the review process for a proposed expansion of the Iroquois Gas Transmission System, allowing state regulators to continue evaluating permits tied to the project.
The ruling from Judge Matthew Budzik clears the way for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to complete its review of air quality permits for two new gas-fired compressors at an existing compressor station in Brookfield. The upgrades would allow the pipeline to transport an additional 125 MMcf/d of natural gas to markets including New York City, CT Mirror reported.
The lawsuit was filed earlier this year by the town of Brookfield and environmental group Save the Sound, which argued that DEEP improperly denied their request to intervene in the permitting process through a formal adjudicatory hearing. Opponents of the project have raised concerns about potential air quality impacts and the facility’s proximity to a local school.
In dismissing the case, the court ruled that the plaintiffs could still challenge the project if DEEP ultimately approves the permits, making the current lawsuit premature, according to CT Mirror. The proposed $272-million expansion has already received approvals from federal regulators and New York authorities. DEEP is expected to issue a final decision on the project after completing its review of public comments.
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