Conroe city leaders have pledged to fight a planned high-pressure natural gas compressor station near Interstate 45, citing potential safety hazards and joining business owners in opposing the project through a resolution of support.
The Conroe City Council has taken a firm stance against the proposed construction of a high-pressure natural gas compressor station close to Interstate 45, expressing concerns over the significant safety risks that could arise in the event of an accident.
On Thursday, council members came together in a unanimous decision to endorse the owners of Bartholet Home Furnishings in their legal battle aimed at halting the project.
A site is being developed just under 150 feet away from the business as part of the extensive 193-mile Blackfin Pipeline project spearheaded by Austin's Whitewater Midstream. The pipeline is set to transport as much as 3.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas each day through six counties in Texas, featuring four compressor stations, one of which is located in Conroe.
On July 23, the Bartholets initiated legal action by filing for a temporary restraining order, with a hearing set to take place on August 29 in the 457th State District Court. Blackfin officials have chosen not to provide any remarks regarding the ongoing litigation.
Council members voiced their dissatisfaction upon discovering the existence of the compressor station only a short time ago, even after engaging with pipeline officials in 2023 regarding various aspects of the project. Councilwoman Marsha Porter expressed that the city did not provide any details regarding the compressor when it approved a pipeline easement last year.
According to industry experts, compressor stations play a crucial role in sustaining pressure within extensive pipelines, yet they come with significant risks. Engineer Doyle Sanders issued a stark warning that an explosion could potentially “incinerate” the immediate vicinity and affect a mile radius. The company asserts that the facility adheres to all regulatory standards and has been thoughtfully designed to prioritize community safety.
State Rep. Will Metcalf has reached out to the Texas Railroad Commission, advocating for a public hearing. He described the project's placement in a heavily populated region as presenting an "extreme" potential risk.
In a recent development, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has approved permits for the Conroe site, which will include four turbine compressor units, each boasting a powerful 30,000 horsepower.
Councilman Harry Hardman articulated the city’s stance: “We must exert every effort within our means.” "The price is irrelevant to me."
Additionally, the site is set to conduct 144 annual blowdowns, which are controlled gas releases necessary for maintenance or safety measures. In rural areas, one can find comparable facilities in Austin, Hardin, and Jasper counties.
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