MILFORD, PA — A Pike resident opposed to an upgraded Columbia gas pipeline compressor station on Fire Tower Road came to the county commissioners Wednesday, looking for county help in continuing efforts to stop the project.

Gregory Lotorto was looking for push-back after the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued its permit for the 9,400 horsepower compressor and the new air pollution that opponents say it will cause in the Delaware Valley.

Opponents have charged that operation of the gas-powered compressor on a 24/7 basis will generate the same amount of toxic pollutants as 71 idling school buses.

He termed a proposal from PA’s new governor, Tom Wolf, to “insert toxics into our budget,” with a new severance tax on the gas industry as “scary.”

County and township permits still are to be acquired and Lotorto hoped for county help.

He charged that contractors have already exceeded tree-cutting restrictions and Milford Township is “stuck,” having been denied needed data.

“We can’t accept that. The Commonwealth is required to protect clean air, water and safe places to live. We’re being bullied and run over by this,” he said.

Commissioners Chair Rich Caridi recalled that the county has already sent a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) calling for the new station to be electric powered.

Commissioner Karl Wagner, a retired attorney, said opponents need a more realistic approach. “FERC doesn’t care about letters and phone calls. The only way to stop FERC is legal action.”

“We’d like you to voice your opinion to the state,” Lotorto said.

Caridi said that if tree cutting has gone beyond prescribed areas, “We can cite them and refer it to DEP.”

He said the county’s permitting authority is limited through the conservation district. “We deal with stormwater and erosion. It’s the only authority we have,” he said.

In other business, the commissioners authorized release of $500,000 of funding from the community development block grant for the county Human Development Office program to aid low- to moderate-income, senior (55-plus) and handicapped homeowners.

The program targets Lehman, Green, Porter and Dingman townships. With an additional $245,000 in county money, it will provide funding of $20,000 to $25,000 for some 32 homes, spotlighting roof, window and furnace upgrades, said office supervisor Christine Kerstetter.

For more information about program participation requirements, call 570/296-3434.