A 230 mile long natural gas pipeline that would stretch from Coos Bay to Malin is the subject of several meetings this week. Your input is sought on the ‘Pacific Connector’ gas pipeline.
Malin is already a hub for gas pipelines…and Malin City Recorder Kay Neumeyer says those projects have provided money and jobs.
“Like when the Ruby Pipeline was here, it filled up our RV park – and actually paid for having an RV park built. So, that was a big benefit.”
But while the Ruby Pipeline went across rather remote areas of Wyoming and Northern Nevada, the Pacific Connector pipeline will be going through more populated, more ecologically sensitive areas of Oregon. The proposed route goes through Klamath, Jackson, Douglas, and Coos counties.
While scars are left from burying a 36-inch pipe, Malin Public Works Director Robert Grounds says the land heals quickly…
“I know it is an open trench at one point in time, but they just finished this last year in the spring…and as you can tell behind me, there is no trace left.”
While the plan 4 years ago was to import natural gas, Pacific Connector / Williams Corporation spokesperson Michele Swaner notes that plan has been change to export…
“Well, it really reflects market changes in the natural gas industry.”
That shift has triggered additional opposition to the project.
While the project might bring some money to Malin, Kay Neumeyer knows there’s a risk…
“We haven’t really seemed to have any problems yet, but always worried about if a pipeline would blow up, or something.”
Meetings on the proposed pipeline are being held:
Monday, June 25 / Umpqua Community College / Roseburg
Tuesday, June 26 / Red Lion Hotel / Coos Bay
Wednesday, June 27 / Shilo Inn / Klamath Falls
Thursday, June 28 / Rogue Regency Inn / Medford
All meetings will run from 6 to 8 p.m., with presentations getting underway at 7:pm.
You can find out more information online at: www.pacificconnectorgp.com
© 2024 KOBI-TV NBC5. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.