Tuesday night the Metro Council advanced a bill intended to block a gas pipeline compressor station from being built in Joelton. But even if the ordinance passes a third and final vote, it may not have the intended effect.
At a public hearing, opponents of the compressor station described it as a noisy fire hazard that could pollute air and water of neighbors. Some homes are less than a quarter mile away. An animal sanctuary is also nearby.
“Waldon’s Puddle — alone — is a good enough reason to keep that gas compressor center out of Joelton,” Antioch resident Alma Sanford said.
The pipeline company Kinder Morgan had remained quiet until now. Several company representatives spoke Tuesday, describing a stellar safety record at six other compressor sites in Tennessee. Some are within the city limits of communities like Portland.
Lobbyist James Weaver also told council members that the federal authorization required to build the facility would supersede anything that’s passed locally.
“This certificate trumps — for lack of a better word — all other local restrictions, including those contained within this bill,” Weaver said. “This is not a close call.”
Metro’s attorneys agree. But sponsoring councilman Lonnell Matthews argues federal regulators will consider local wishes before issuing a certificate.
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM