Residents Fear Pipeline Threat to Homes and Farmland

Residents of Eli U Cabin Hollow Road expressed significant concerns during a recent government meeting regarding a proposed pipeline project by TC Energy that may impact their properties. The homeowners, who purchased land with the intention of building a home and establishing a small farm, reported receiving unsolicited communications from the company seeking permission to conduct assessments on their land.

The residents highlighted a lack of transparency from TC Energy, noting that they had not been informed about the pipeline's route, size, or potential risks. Rumors suggested the pipeline could connect to the Cooper Power Plant, raising alarms among the community about the implications for their safety and the integrity of their farmland.

Concerns were further amplified by past incidents involving pipeline failures, including a notable burst in Lincoln County in 2018 and a recent catastrophic event in Texas. The homeowners voiced apprehension about the possibility of eminent domain being invoked, although legal experts clarified that private companies cannot claim eminent domain; they must negotiate easements with property owners.

Local officials reassured residents that they have the right to refuse access to their property and encouraged them to seek legal counsel if necessary. The meeting concluded with an acknowledgment that while preliminary studies are underway, no definitive plans for the pipeline have been established, and the project is not imminent. The proposed pipeline aims to facilitate a transition to natural gas for the Cooper Power Plant, as part of broader efforts to comply with environmental regulations.