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Residents hear plans for gas pipeline
1,663-mile natural gas carrier would travel through 4 counties in the metro area

By Aldrich M. Tan
aldrich.tan@indystar.com

June 29, 2006

FRANKLIN, Ind. --An underground 1,663-mile natural gas pipeline is proposed to run through several Indianapolis metro area counties, raising concern among some residents whose property would be affected.

The proposed Rockies Express Pipeline would begin in Weld County, Colo., and travel through Johnson, Hendricks, Morgan, Shelby and other counties to Monroe County, Ohio.

If approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, construction of the eastern portion of the pipeline would begin in spring 2008. Construction of the western portion would start next year.

Representatives of Kinder Morgan, the company building the pipeline, held an informational meeting Wednesday night. More than 200 people attended.

As they viewed aerial maps showing where the pipeline will run through their properties, several people expressed their disapproval.

"This has been a longterm investment for us,'' said Beverly Scellato of her 250-acre White River Township property. If the pipeline passes through that property, its value would be reduced because the pipeline would prevent part of the land from being developed, she said.

Franklin's city engineer will meet with the pipeline construction manager today to discuss changing the path of portions of pipeline that could interfere with public interests, Mayor Brenda Jones-Matthews said.

The 42-inch diameter pipeline will be buried 30 to 36 inches below ground. It will not prevent farmers from using their land, but it will prohibit construction or development, said Rick Rainey, with Kinder Morgan.

For safety reasons, property owners would not be allowed to build permanent structures within 25 feet of the pipeline, he said.

Jones-Matthews said she is concerned because the proposed pipeline will run through the middle of a planned subdivision located between the Knollwood and North Point subdivisions.

ANR Pipeline Co., Citizens Gas and the Indiana Gas Co. also run natural gas pipelines through the state.