Public Comment Hearing
The Siting Board will conduct a remote public comment hearing regarding the Project using Zoom videoconferencing at 6:30 pm, Wednesday, March 29, 2023. Attendees can join by clicking (or entering) the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83239347654 from a computer, smartphone, or tablet. For audio-only participation, attendees can dial in at (646) 558-8656 (not toll free) and enter the Webinar ID: 8323-9347-654.
If you anticipate providing comments via Zoom during the public comment hearing, please send an email to Geneen.Bartley@mass.gov with your name, email address, and mailing address by Tuesday, March 28, 2023. If you anticipate commenting by telephone, please leave a voicemail message at (617) 305-3529 with your name, telephone number, and mailing address by March 28, 2023. Additional commenters may be allowed during the public comment hearing at the discretion of the Presiding Officer.
A copy of the full notice can be accessed at the following link: https://fileservice.eea.comacloud.net/FileService.Api/file/FileRoom/17155451
Recordings of Hearing
Recordings of the public comment hearing will be posted to the Board’s YouTube channel. The transcripts of the public comment hearing will be posted to the DPU Fileroom.
Written Comments
The Siting Board will also accept written comments on the Project. Written comments will be most useful to the Siting Board if submitted by Wednesday, April 12, 2023. Persons or groups who wish to be involved in the Siting Board proceeding beyond providing comments at the public comment hearing or submitting written comments may seek either to intervene as a party or to participate as a limited participant. A petition to intervene or participate must be filed with the Siting Board in electronic format, by email or email attachment, to dpu.efiling@mass.gov and to robert.j.shea@mass.gov no later than the close of business (5:00 pm) on April 12, 2023.
Written comments on HG&E’s Project, or a petition to intervene or participate as a limited participant must be filed in two places:
First, the petition to intervene or participate, and comments, must be filed with the Siting Board in electronic format, by email or email attachment to: dpu.efiling@mass.gov and to robert.j.shea@mass.gov no later than the close of business (5:00 p.m.) on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. The text of the email must specify: (1) the docket number of the proceeding (EFSB 22-07); (2) the name of the person or entity submitting the filing; and (3) a brief description of the document. The electronic filing should also include the name, title and telephone number of a person to contact in the event of questions about the filing.
Second, the comments or petition or comments must be sent electronically to counsel for HG&E, James M. Avery, Esq., Pierce Atwood LLP, 100 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02110, javery@pierceatwood.com.
Participation in Proceedings
Persons or groups who wish to be involved in the Siting Board proceeding beyond providing comments at the public comment hearing or submitting written comments may seek either to intervene as a party or to participate as a limited participant. Intervention as a party allows the person or group to participate fully in the evidentiary phase of the proceeding, including the right to participate in evidentiary hearings and to appeal a final decision. A limited participant would receive documents in the proceeding and may file a brief as well as file written comments and/or present oral comments regarding the Tentative Decision to the Siting Board.
Any person wishing to intervene as a party or to participate as a limited participant in this proceeding must file a written petition with the Presiding Officer (see Filing Instructions below). A petition to intervene or be a limited participant must satisfy the timing and substantive requirements of 980 CMR 1.00, the Siting Board’s procedural rules, which can be found on the Siting Board’s website at: https://www.mass.gov/doc/980-cmr-1-rules-for-the-conduct-of-adjudicatory-proceedings/download. To be allowed, a petition to intervene filed pursuant to 980 CMR 1.05 must demonstrate that the petitioner may be substantially and specifically affected by this proceeding.
For those individuals and groups that are “substantially and specifically” affected by energy proposals, and wish to participate actively in the proceeding, please visit the link below to learn more.
File a petition to intervene in an EFSB or DPU Siting case | Mass.gov
Important Dates
December 7, 2022: Company files Petitions with the Siting Board
March 28, 2023: Deadline to Pre-Register for Public Comment Hearing
March 29, 2023: Siting Board Holds Public Comment Hearing
April 12, 2023: Deadline for Written Comments/Petition to be Intervenor or Limited Participant
Project Information
Initial Petition and Application
Under G.L. c. 164, § 69J, the Siting Board will review HG&E’s filing to determine whether the Project would provide a reliable energy supply with a minimum impact on the environment at the lowest possible cost.
Description of Project
The West Holyoke LNG storage facility was constructed with two LNG tanks in 1971. In 1974, plans were made for the addition of three additional LNG tanks, but only two were constructed.
HG&E proposes to add the proposed tank to maintain reliable service on peak days. The additional tank would be capable of storing approximately 70,000 gallons of LNG and is proposed to be adjacent to the existing four LNG tanks within the existing footprint and fence line of the West Holyoke facility. The Company proposes to install necessary interconnections to existing equipment and systems in conjunction with installation of the tank. These new components include piping, isolation valves, double block and bleeding valves, overpressure protection, gas and flame detectors, an ambient natural convection pressure build coil, and safety equipment. The new tank will increase truck deliveries to the facility by approximately 1-2 truckloads per month. HG&E is also proposing modifications of existing equipment at the same time as the Project, including the replacement of the facility’s existing vaporizer with two new vaporization units, upgrades to safety and control equipment, and a new air compression system.
Initial Filing with EFSB
- Company Petition
- Company Information on Public Outreach
- Company Information on Project Need
- Company Information on Site Selection Process
- Company Information on Project Alternatives
- Company Information on Construction Methods
- Company Information on Environmental Impacts
- Company Information on Cost
- Company Information on Environmental Justice
- Company Information on Global Warming Solutions Act
- Site Location Map
- Primary Siting Constraints
All documents related filed in relation to a proceeding are posted to the DPU Fileroom. The Fileroom page for a proceeding represents the official record for that proceeding. The public can access the Fileroom page for this proceeding at the following link:
Figure 1. Project Overview
Language Services/Accommodations
The EFSB has standardized procedures for requesting special accommodations in a proceeding. Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. Include a complete description of the accommodation you will need and a way we can contact you if we need more information. Please provide as much advance notice as possible. Last minute requests will be accepted, but we may be unable to fulfill the request. Please send your requests to: Gabriella Knight, ADA and Diversity Manager at the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs at gabriella.knight@mass.gov.
Interpretation services for those with limited English language proficiency are available upon request. Include in your request the language required, and a way to contact you if the Presiding Officer needs more information. Please provide as much advance notice as possible. Last minute requests may not be able to be accommodated. Contact the Presiding Officer (contact information below).
Contact
Robert J. Shea, Presiding Officer
Energy Facilities Siting Board
One South Station
Boston, MA 02110
(617) 851-4246
robert.j.shea@mass.gov
Useful Information
For more detailed information on the Siting process: Energy Facilities Siting Board Handbook (updated 2019) | Guía para fijar la ubicación de instalaciones energéticas (2019)