Arizona community concerned about plans for nearby gas facility

CHINO VALLEY, AZ (AZFamily)— Arizona residents are expressing concern about plans to build a natural gas compressor station near their homes north of Prescott.

People are moving to Haystack Rancha quiet corner of the Chino Valley where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

But now the community is concerned that a natural gas compressor station they say could destroy their paradise.

Frank and Heather Fusari moved to Haystack Ranch after years of saving for a comfortable retirement.

“This is our little piece of heaven,” they said.

But in September, they say, a letter appeared on the front of the community informing them of a natural gas compressor station that would be built about 0.3 miles from the outskirts of the community.

They said they didn’t receive the letter in the mail until a month later.

“It’s 1,877 feet from the fence line, and we can probably see the fence line from that property,” Frank said. “But he’ll be downstairs.”

Gas compressor stations help maintain the gas in the pipeline at the pressure necessary to continue movement.

Kinder Morganthe station’s parent company said the gas was needed in the state.

“Kinder Morgan is in discussions with residents and the public about its proposed compressor station in Yavapai County, Arizona,” the company said in a statement. “This project will provide much-needed additional natural gas supplies to Arizona.”

However, the couple said that the gas pipeline running under their community was built in the 1950s. They are concerned about the risk of explosion, especially after the deadly Coolidge Pipeline explosion three years ago.

They are also concerned about the risk of fire since there is only one road to enter and exit the area.

“Probably if there was a big explosion, we would barely have enough time to escape. We’ll probably have to keep our animals,” Frank said.

They are also concerned about noise and the station’s impact on property values.

Kinder Morgan said they are following all building regulations.

“The facility will be designed to meet all local, state and federal regulations regarding noise, lighting and safety,” the company said. “As a long-time, federally regulated operator in the area, we have strict safety protocols and extensive incident response plans in place to prepare for and handle any emergencies that may arise.”

They also said they have spoken with the community and will continue to maintain an open dialogue with them.

Heather said that when they had a meeting with company representatives, they were left with more questions than answers.

“The last thing we asked was: “Well, would you live next to a gas compressor?” And there was instant silence,” she said.

Residents of the area sent a letter with dozens of signatures to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

This panel decided to move the deadline for additional community input and feedback to early December.

An original notice posted in the neighborhood said the company wanted to begin construction by December, but that date may now have been pushed back.

Community members said they are not against natural gas, but there are other industries far from the community that do not disrupt their area.

They hope that the gas company will move to another area, further away.

“The best outcome is to get them to move the station,” Frank said.

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