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Board told MassDEP is handling noise complaints at local LNG plant; town asked to be 'eyes' for enforcement
Summary
The Town of Charlton Board of Health discussed resident complaints about noise and operations at a local LNG facility. Town staff reported MassDEP is leading compliance and asked the board to continue documenting incidents; the plant has run a generator and conducted noise tests and flare operations.
Jim Philbrook, the Town of Charlton health department director, reported the board received another complaint about an LNG plant operating generators during a weekend that prevented some residents from sleeping.
Philbrook said he visited the site and found only one generator running at the time; the operator had shut it down by the time of his visit. He said residents had reported the issue to MassDEP and that MassDEP asked the board to “step aside” and let MassDEP handle noise compliance and follow‑up. Philbrook said MassDEP’s representative Mary Jewett is handling the matter in a legal context.
Philbrook said the plant had conducted a noise test in poor weather; the plant plans another noise test. He also reported that the plant has had two tractor‑trailers at its loading dock for the past three weeks and that flaring has been observed. Philbrook said he reports site observations to MassDEP daily and described the health department’s role as providing on‑the‑ground documentation while MassDEP pursues enforcement.
No formal action or enforcement was taken by the board at the meeting; Philbrook said the town will continue to report observations to MassDEP and coordinate as requested.
