State will not announce decision on compressor expansion until fall

By Scott Benjamin

BROOKFIELD = The verdict on the most-discussed topic at the Board of Selectmen’s meetings over the last year and a half apparently won’t be rendered until this fall.

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That is the latest message from the state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP), which is considering the air quality application for a proposed $272 million expansion of the Iroquois Gas Transmission System plant near High Meadow Lane.

It would double the size of the compressing station, which opened about 17 years ago.

The application has drawn criticism from the grass roots in Brookfield, who have posted signs and organized events in opposition to the project. Their concern is that it will be a health hazard to the nearby neighbors and to the students at Whisconier Middle School, which sits 1,900 feet ward.

Selectmen Bob Belden reported at the Monday, June 1, regular meeting of the board that First Selectman Steve Dunn recently indicated the decision from DEEP, which he anticipated would be made by early summer, has now been delayed until the fall.

Dunn met with Gov. Ned Lamont (D-Greenwich) on April 20 and Lamont issued a statement that he hoped that DEEP.

At the very least, the opponents of the expansion want the new turbines to be electric-powered instead of being fueled by gas.

CT Mirror Energy reporter John Moritz has stated that electric turbines would add at least $45 million to the cost of the project.

Moritz has reported that Lamont said following his meeting with Dunn, that he hoped that DEEP would consider the electric turbines, but noted that he isn’t supposed to weigh in on the application, so he would not.

Dunn has said that he expects that DEEP will approve the application. He said the project already has received all needed approvals from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Dunn, the other two selectmen and state Senate Republican Leader Stephen Harding (R-30) of Brookfield were among those who testified against the application during a hearing this winter.

Dunn has told Patch.com that seeking to appeal the decisions would be an expensive proposition that would require attorneys both in Connecticut and Washington.

Former Police Chief Jay Purcell is expected to present the recommendation of the ad-hoc Police Building Committee at the selectmen’s July 6 meeting.

Purcell, the chairman of the panel, said during a recent input session that he favors building a new facility on Silvermine Road along the corner lot of the municipal campus.

The current headquarters at 63 Silvermine Road opened about 40 years ago.

Dunn has said it is no longer in compliance with federal regulations, partly because it is too small to accommodate the current personnel.

Dunn has said the board is aiming to get the ad-hoc committee’s recommendation on the ballot in November.

Belden, who presided over the meeting in Dunn’s absence, said that the fireworks display celebrating America’s 250^th birthday is scheduled for Friday night, June 26, at about 9:15.

In response to questions from Selectman Karl Hinger, Belden said that people would not have to congregate at the municipal campus on Pocono Road, the launch site, to see the display. He indicated it probably would easily be viewed from Brookfield Town Center near the Four Corners intersection on Federal Road.

During public comment, Community Development Specialist Greg Dembowski noted that there will be two major events before the fireworks. The sixth annual Brookfield Block Party is slated for Sunday, June 7, starting at 11:30 a.m. along Old Route 7.

Additionally, a Brookfield Restaurant Week kickoff event will be held Thursday, June 11, from 6 to 9 p.m. at St. Marguerite’s Bourgeoys Church at 138 Candlewood Lake Road.