In Nashville’s Pipeline And Quarry Fights, Opponents Now Raise Air Pollution Fears

Two of Nashville’s fiercest neighborhood fights now have something in common. Opponents of a gas pipeline compressor in Joelton and, separately, residents near a quarry in Old Hickory, are both appealing to the Metro Health Department because of fears of air pollution.

The
public comment periods for both end this week.

At this point, the two industrial projects have been through local, state, and federal challenges — and criticisms from residents armed with yard signs and matching T-shirts.

The turn to air pollution created a rare scene last week when about 150 gas compressor opponents swarmed Metro’s Lentz Public Health Center for a hearing.

“We want to have clean air,” said Jeff Richfield, of Joelton. “I’ve been in other locations and states where they’ve had problems like this and it doesn’t smell good at all.”

At this juncture, opponents say the rural area isn’t right for the large turbines that would pump natural gas through underground pipes — for both noise and emission reasons.

“We’re looking at 60,000 horsepower running in your neighborhood 24 hours a day,” said Fred Lieb, “it’s a jet engine!”

The gas company, Kinder Morgan, has deflected quite a bit already.

But the attorney for residents, Gary Davis, says Metro has a lot of discretion over air quality and must enforce the national Clean Air Act.

“You don’t want an industrial facility with toxic air pollution in the middle of a residential community,” he said. “It’s a health concern … we believe that Nashville can enforce its own ordinance.”

Davis at least wants Metro to require that the compressor turbines install technology to clean their emissions.

A permitting decision could take several months, and will involve the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, according to the Health Department.

At the same time, the dispute continues at the federal level, where Congressman Jim Cooper, D-Nashville, has entered the fray to oppose the compressor station. He recently wrote to federal regulators that the compressor company is a “clueless, offensive bully.”

For its part, Kinder Morgan says concerns from environmentalists are “entirely without merit.” This spring, a preliminary finding by regulators said the compressor station would have “no significant impact” on the environment.

Quarry Seeks Simpler Permit

Meanwhile, the Old Hickory quarry also needs approval because of the dust clouds it would create.

Opponents have also sent letters, but admit the quarry will likely move forward on this front. Because the quarry wouldn’t be a “major source” of pollution, it did not require a public hearing.

The quarry recently obtained a state permit related to water quality. Another outstanding question is the operation’s impact on local roads, which some residents see as the next battle line.