In September 2020, Mountain Valley filed an application for a Minor New Source Review Permit for the proposed Lambert Compressor Station. In December 2020, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality issued a public notice announcing its issuance of a draft permit.
The DEQ scheduled a virtual public informational briefing on Jan. 7, 2021, and a virtual public hearing on Feb. 8, 2021; DEQ also is seeking public comment on the draft permit between Jan. 8, 2021 and March 10, 2021. More information on these meetings and how to participate, submit comment and request board consideration is available here.
Here are some commonly asked questions and answers about the MVP Southgate’s Lambert Compressor Station.
What is a compressor station?
A compressor station is a natural gas facility located along a pipeline route that compresses gas in the line to increase pressure, allowing it to flow through the line toward its intended destination. Friction and elevation changes induce pressure drop on the natural gas traveling in a pipeline and must be periodically compressed to ensure consistent pressure and efficient delivery.
Where will MVP Southgate’s compressor station be located?
MVP Southgate’s Lambert Compressor Station will be built at 987 Transco Road, on land owned by Mountain Valley and near an existing compressor station at Transco Village, approximately two miles east of the Chatham town limit in Virginia’s Pittsylvania County.
How much land will be affected?
Construction of the compressor station will affect 18.6 acres of land owned by Mountain Valley. The facility will require 3.8 acres for operations, and it is expected to include a compressor building, electrical control building, office, and air compressor building. A chain linked security fence will surround the perimeter of the station site upon completion of construction.
How big will this facility be?
The compressor station is considerably smaller than the existing compressor station in the area. As proposed, it will include two natural gas-driven turbines, providing approximately 28,915 nominal hp of compression. This level of power is equivalent to about a quarter of one jet engine. The station also will incorporate equipment, controls and other features, including catalytic converter technology, to reduce emissions to levels classified by federal and state regulators as minor.
Will this facility be busy or noisy?
The Lambert Compressor Station will be monitored remotely 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, and one or two employees will likely report to the site daily. A small number of workers may periodically visit the facility to perform maintenance. At the nearest noise-sensitive area, which is slightly more than a half mile away, the sound of the facility’s operation will be minor and comparable to the sound of a refrigerator humming.
What impact will this facility have on air quality?
Using advanced controls and under terms of the draft permit, there will be no adverse impact on the air quality near the facility. The air quality will remain in compliance with all air quality standards.
