Lower Valley residents concerned over proposed pipeline

Residents from the Lower Valley want to know why they weren’t told about a pipeline that will be running through their area.

They found out the company running the project, ONEOK has begun construction on the pipeline in their backyard.

Residents are worried about their safety.

The pipeline would start in Coyanosa, Texas, between Pecos and Fort Stockton, and pass through Clint, San Elizario and into Mexico.

Emotions ran high at a Clint town hall meeting Saturday afternoon.

“I just learned a while ago they already started and they are going to keep building the line,” said resident Armida Guerra.

Other residents are concerned about the natural gas pipeline that is about 30 inches wide, 200 hundred miles long and will provide gas for a company in Mexico.

A representative for the company ONEOK spoke to concerned residents.

“Our main purpose for being here is to evaluate what those concerns are and take those back to our project team so that we can communicate with these people and answer their questions,” said ONEOK spokeswoman, Stephanie Higgins.

The first phase of the construction is expected to be done in early 2016.

Some aren’t thrilled with the idea.

San Elizario Mayor Maya Sanchez says residents would like more information before they continue constructing the pipeline through their town.

“They said they don’t have actual dates they are going to start laying the pipe but they said they can start as early as August,” said Sanchez.

Sanchez also tells ABC-7 most of the pipeline will run through farm land.

Others say having the pipeline isn’t worth the trouble.

“We’re concerned that this isn’t in the public interest. This is really a pipeline going to Mexico and it’s really for Mexico so we don’t feel this is going to be beneficial to local residents,” said Sierra Blanca resident Kimberley Mixter.

The project is expected to be completed in 2019. ONEOK officials say they will set more time aside to address residents concerns.