nothin E. Shore Gas Turbines OK’d | New Haven Independent

E. Shore Gas Turbines OK’d

Melinda Tuhus File Photo

A plan to expand an East Shore power plant moved forward Wednesday night amid concerns about trees and security.

At its meeting Wednesday, the City Plan Commission approved a site plan for the construction of three natural gas-powered turbines, a 130-foot exhaust stack, a 5,000-gallon ammonia tank used in emission controls, and associated equipment, all to be located with Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG)’s existing New Haven Harbor Station.

The new turbines are designed to be peaking” generators to help PSEG at times of maximum demand on the grid. They would be powered by natural gas, available already in nearby pipelines.

The $135 million plan had aroused the anxiety and environmental ire of East Shore neighbors last summer due largely to the feared increase in pollution. Following public hearings, including a $500,000 contribution from PSEG to reduce pollution from trucks and other sources in the harbor area, the plan was approved, including in a community benefits agreement monitoring of hours of usage.

At issue, however, during Wednesday’s site plan review, were mainly security and vegetation. Commissioners asked for more of both.

PSEG’s project director Frank Cielo assured City Engineer Richard Miller that more robust vegetation — that is, trees — would be included in the plan, which would be in keeping with the city’s new tree initiative and the Complete Streets Design manual.

Aldermanic representative to the commission Justin Elicker asked Cielo to address questions of security.

You mean what happened in Middletown?” Cielo replied, referring to the build up of natural gas which resulted in an explosion.

You tell us,” said the commission’s chair Ed Mattison.

It all takes place within the turbine,” Cielo replied. There is no build-up to combustible levels.

As to security, the additional turbines are within the Harbor Station site, which is treated by the Coast Guard with maximum security measures, including a guard by day and being fenced and locked by night.

Elicker was told the additional turbines would also not result in much truck activity, as the gas is in the pipelines. Perhaps a delivery of ammonia once a month, said Cielo.

The site plan was approved, along with, as a separate item, minor modifications to United Illuminating’s existing East Shore facility to interconnect with the new peaking generators.

The project is expected to begin in July and conclude in May 2011.

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