LG&E completing final steps to make new Bullitt County pipeline operational

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville Gas and Electric is completing the final steps for its new Bullitt County pipeline.

The utility said the pipeline near Bernheim Forest will come online "soon" to begin serving customers.

The pipeline, LG&E said, creates an additional path for natural gas to get to Bullitt County.

One of the final steps in making the pipeline operational is to add a chemical called mercaptan "to give the natural gas its recognizable smell." LG&E said the process will be completed "over the next several weeks in a safe, controlled and environmentally protective manner.

While pure natural gas is typically colorless and odorless, the utility said the distinct smell from the mercaptan is one way of detecting a potential natural gas leak.

Those living nearby may see some small flares over the next few weeks or notice a smell, which company officials said are normal and will be temporary.

"We're pleased we can soon begin providing new and expanded natural gas service for our customers' homes and businesses in Bullitt County," Tom Rieth, vice president of Gas Operations for LG&E, said in a news release. "Completing this significant enhancement project for our natural gas system further reinforces service reliability for customers and supports the growing needs in the region."

Although the work is being done in a "safe and controlled manner," LG&E wants customers to be mindful of the steps to take if they suspect a natural gas leak:

Leave the area immediately.
Call 911 and LG&E
- Call 502-589-1444 and press 1-1-1
Never report a gas leak by email.
Don't assume others have reported the leak.

Construction on the pipeline began last year after years of legal back and forth.

In December of 2024, LG&E got the go ahead to condemn Bernheim Forest land for the pipeline after the Kentucky Supreme Court decided not to take the case, meaning a local court decision in 2023 would stand, allowing LG&E to condemn forest-owned land in a conservation area for the pipeline.

At the time, the utility hailed the action as a key milestone in a series of court battles stretching over more than five years, saying it pushed construction of the 12-mile line closer to reality. LG&E first disclosed its plans with state regulators in 2016.

LG&E officials said trees were cleared in the area last February and construction on the 12-mile pipeline began last April.

Bullitt Co. pipeline route — LG&E's proposed Bullitt County natural gas pipeline route.

Critics raised concerns about the impact on the ecosystems and species in the area with additional fossil fuel infrastructure.

An LG&E spokesperson said at the time the company had been transparent through the process and have been waiting a long time for it, adding that it will add service reliability for around 9,500 existing customers in the area.

According to LG&E's website, the route of the pipeline minimizes impacts to the environment since it's using existing utility easements.

The pipeline cuts through a 494-acre wildlife corridor. Last July, leaders at Bernheim Forest said although they were able to save some features of the forest, there was still uncertainty for sensitive species.

You can find more information on the project on LG&E's website by clicking here.

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