PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) will hold a public hearing later this month on National Grid LNG, LLC's application for a Rhode Island Water Quality Certification for the proposed redevelopment of property along the Providence River in Providence. This is an opportunity for the public to comment on the water quality impacts of this proposed facility, and the hearing will be limited to this issue. Issues beyond the water quality aspect will be referred to the broader scope of review offered by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
The hearing will be held as follows:
WHEN: Wednesday, January 31, 2018 | 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. WHERE: Veterans Memorial Auditorium, One Avenue of the Arts, Providence
Written and oral comments will be accepted at the hearing, and translation services will be provided for languages including Spanish, Portuguese, Kmer/Cambodian, and Cape Verdean/Creole.
National Grid LNG, LLC is proposing to redevelop an existing industrial property located at 642 Allen's Avenue in Providence to support a natural gas liquification plant. Proposed activities at the site include redeveloping impervious surfaces, re-grading certain areas, relocating utilities, improving access roads, building a revetment wall, constructing and operating a stormwater collection and treatment system, and installing a new stormwater outfall that discharges to the Providence River. State Water Quality Regulations require that the applicant manage stormwater runoff during construction activities and future operation of the facility.
DEM also announces that in response to a request it has extended the public comment period on the proposal. Written comments will be accepted through 4:00 p.m. on February 15, 2018 and should relate to impacts to water quality from the proposed project activities. Detailed plans and specifications may be viewed at DEM's Office of Water Resources at 235 Promenade Street in Providence. Comments should be submitted to Neal Personeus in the DEM Office of Water Resources, 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908 or via email at Neal.personeus@dem.ri.gov.
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