SIMPSONVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – Neighbors in Simpsonville are protesting a proposed natural gas pipeline that would run through several states, including parts of Shelby County.
Texas Gas is proposing construction of a 265-mile natural gas pipeline called the Borealis Project. Company leaders said on the project website that the pipeline is needed to help meet growing energy demands.
Proposed route includes Shelby County
Under the current plan, the pipeline would run through parts of Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky, including Jerry Vandevelde’s farm in Shelby County.
Vandevelde opposes the project, particularly because his farm and neighboring land sit on karst terrain, which includes sinkholes and underground drainage systems.
Pink tape is scattered across Vandevelde’s 10-acre farm to mark sinkholes on the property.
“For the sake of the almighty dollar, hundreds of people, hundreds of homes are going to be put at risk,” Vandevelde said.
Concerns over sinkholes and leaks
Vandevelde said the terrain could create problems for the pipeline.
“It’s very possible that this is going to subside,” he explained while pointing to a sinkhole. “That’s going to stress the pipe, perhaps cause cracks or leaks and then, if there’s a source of ignition you could have an explosion.”
Developers said on the project website that the pipeline route could change after further studies. They also said the project is expected to increase tax revenue in participating counties.
Vandevelde said he believes the benefits for neighbors would be limited, especially since, at a previous meeting, a Texas Gas representative told his wife that, if there were any damages to their property because of the project, the company wouldn’t pay for the repairs.
“This Texas Gas line is not for any kind of residential use,” he pointed out. “Nobody along the pipeline is going to have access to natural gas. We all are on propane tanks now.”
The project is regulated at the federal level. Vandevelde said neighbors may not be able to stop it, but they are trying to get Texas Gas to move the route farther away from homes.
“Some things just shouldn’t be that close to homes and people,” he said.
Following certification, construction activities may begin. Landowners directly affected by construction would be contacted by project Land Agents to discuss schedules, access, and property specific details.
Construction is expected to begin in 2028 if the project is certified. The project website states landowners directly affected by construction would be contacted by project land agents to discuss schedules, access, and property specific details.
WAVE News reached out to both Texas Gas and Boardwalk for comment, but has not heard back.
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