San Elizario residents have renewed concerns over pipeline path

San Elizario residents are asking the county for help getting greater oversight of two international pipelines that could be running through their community.

Residents first thought only one of the Roadrunner and Comanche Trails pipelines would go through San Elizairo, but Mayor Maya Sanchez said now both pipelines will pass right through their town

Sanchez and others came before commissioners Monday asking for some greater oversight on what’s going on with the gas pipelines planned near their town.

Sanchez said they were notified that the Roadrunner pipeline may have a metering station built within city limits, a change from what was previously shown to residents.

County Judge Veronica Escobar said there’s not much commissioners can do to change it, but the companies should make it clear what’s going on.

“Even though there’s very little we can do,” Escobar said, “they have a fundamental responsibility to – and even though they don’t have to do this – they have a fundamental responsibility to at the very least inform the community of what’s going on underneath their feet.”

Sanchez wants commissioners to pressure federal regulators to make sure safety standards are followed.

“The more comments the federal energy regulatory commission receives,” Sanchez said, “the more they’re moved to make sure they do the process thoroughly.”

ABC-7 contacted the companies constructing the Roadrunner and Comanche Trails pipelines. ONEOK, builder of the Roadrunner pipeline sent this statement:

“The metering station you are referring to is an above-ground facility located near the U.S. and Mexico border and is part of the original route previously discussed with affected stakeholders. The station will be used to measure natural gas volumes as it flows through the Roadrunner pipeline. Metering stations such as these are common along pipelines.

“We continue to engage in meaningful dialogue with affected stakeholders along the route of the pipeline as we continue preparations for construction. ONEOK Partners, as operator of the Roadrunner pipeline, is committed to safeguarding our employees, communities and the environment in which we operate.”

ABC-7 did not receive a response from the Comanche Trails pipeline builder by the posting of this article.