Blackfin Pipeline is developing an approximately 193-mile intrastate pipeline designed to transport up to 3.5 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas from Colorado County to Jasper County in East Texas. The company had plans for a natural gas compressor station to be located in Conroe; however, the station’s location drew opposition from nearby residents and business owners who expressed safety, noise and environmental concerns.
The overview
The measure amends Chapter 26 of the city’s ordinances to regulate sites, facilities and structures related to oil and gas wells and pipelines, according to the agenda. Under the new rules, compressor stations, storage facilities and similar sites must be located at least 2,000 feet from occupied structures, and property owners within 3,000 feet must receive advance notice of any proposed facility, City Attorney Mike Garner said.
Applications will now come directly before City Council for approval after a public hearing, rather than being handled at the staff level.
“This gives the City Council a lot of oversight on what will be allowed within the city,” Garner said during the meeting. “If they don’t meet the requirements of the ordinance, yes, it will give us the ability to deny permits.”
Because Conroe does not have citywide zoning, officials said the new ordinance fills a regulatory gap for how energy infrastructure can be sited near residential areas. The measure passed unanimously.
The inspiration
The vote came the same day council members rescinded all permits issued to Blackfin Pipeline and approved a stop-work order for its compressor station site along I-45 in south Conroe. The decision for the stop-work order comes after Montgomery County Judge Vince Santini signed a temporary injunction order Sept. 15, along with resident advocacy, including a petition with more than 3,000 signatures.
Residents who opposed the project cited its proximity to homes, schools and businesses, along with potential air quality and safety risks, as key concerns.
City officials confirmed Blackfin agreed to relocate the compressor station to another site, which has not yet been determined. City staff said during the Oct. 9 council meeting no workers remain on the property and that equipment is being removed.
“We’re celebrating getting as far as we have—and in a great way for the city of Conroe and, most importantly, for the residents over there that worked so hard to bring this to light,” Deputy City Administrator Nancy Mikeska said.
Council members credited residents, staff and consultants for helping the city challenge the project. Council member David Hairel called the outcome “a victory for the citizens of Conroe,” while council member Shana Arthur said the new ordinance will help ensure future projects receive proper public scrutiny.
“We narrowly avoided putting high-risk facilities in our backyard. We need to be better prepared in the future,” Arthur said.
Council members also recognized residents who organized the petition drive and spoke at multiple meetings in opposition to the compressor station. City officials said they will continue reviewing the ordinance over time to strengthen regulations as needed.
Before you go
In an Oct. 8 news release announcing the compressor station’s relocation, Conroe city officials said Blackfin is “eager to collaborate with the city of Conroe to ensure the safe, reliable and considerate operation of the project in the future.”
According to the news release, city staff members will meet with Blackfin to discuss the station’s future location and assist in site selection.
Community Impact reached out to Blackfin Pipeline representatives for comment but did not hear back before press time.
