A new application to expand the Revolution Cryogenic Gas Processing Plant in Smith Township brought the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to town. The DEP held a public hearing on an Air Quality Plan Approval, submitted by ETC Northeast Pipeline, LLC, that would add to the Revolution Plant raising its gas production from 200 million cubic feet per day to 500 million cubic feet per day. The plant is located in an Environmental Justice Area. That is defined as an area that is disproportionally burdened by pollution, climate change or health hazards. Representatives from affiliated businesses and gas production organizations characterized the expansion as good for the economy and national security. Detractors felt that the approval process was flawed because it did not take into account the cumulative affects of the existing gas production sites combined with the new site as they relate to air pollution. They questioned why the DEP accepts the company’s self reporting on emissions and why the DEP does not do all of the emissions monitoring. On Christmas Day 2022, the Revolution Plant sustained an explosion. According to ETC, the fire burned for 11 hours and caused an uncontrolled release of ethane and other gasses for 9.5 hours. Anyone wishing to add their comments are still able to do so until July 6. Comments may be submitted to abruscemi@pa.gov.