Busloads of concerned residents, along with elected officials, are expected in downtown Nashville on Tuesday to speak at a hearing about air pollution. Some hope the meeting will slow down controversial projects related to natural gas pipelines in Joelton and Antioch.
There’s been local resistance to a natural gas compressor station in Joelton going on two years — and in Antioch since this spring.
Two companies want to install large turbine engines that propel natural gas through pipes that span several states.
The Joelton project already has several key approvals.
But opponents like the Southern Environmental Law Center are still fighting, especially over air quality. They’re sharing testimonials and preparing for the 1 p.m. hearing before the Air Pollution Control Board.
The board does not have a direct say about compressor stations, but compressor opponents envision a route by which the board can make a difference:
The state is required to meet federal air quality standards, and follows what is known as a State Implementation Plan. An amendment to the plan has been proposed, suggesting that Tennessee follow Nashville’s lead on a particular pollution control method.
added air quality as a consideration in matters of zoning and construction permits.
Such a move is not guaranteed.
The SELC is making its case in part by arguing that the compressor proposals in Nashville are unusually large. The environmental group says no other metro area in the southeast has compressors even half as large as what are proposed for Antioch and Joelton.
After the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation receives public comments, the pollution control board gets final say on whether to alter the state plan.
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