LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Emotions ran high in Shelby County, Kentucky Tuesday night as neighbors demanded answers about a proposed high-pressure natural gas pipeline that could cut through their land.
Dozens of residents packed a fiscal court meeting to hear from Texas Gas about its Borealis pipeline project, a 260-mile line planned to run through parts of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.
Several residents said they received letters asking for permission to survey their property.
Neighbors raised concerns about safety risks, declining property values and rising insurance costs. Others worry the pipeline could limit how they use their land or that they could be forced to give it up altogether through eminent domain.
Texas Gas representatives told the crowd they understand the concerns and plan to work with landowners.
"There will be people impacted, we’re very much aware of that," said company representative Mike McMahon. "We are willing to work with people to try to make them feel comfortable."
But for many in the room, that reassurance didn’t go far.
"We’re not interested," said homeowner Jerry Vandevelde. "We’re retired and this is where we want to spend the rest of our lives, and we don’t want to be impaired or endangered by this high-pressure pipeline."
Local leaders made it clear they don’t have the power to stop the project. The pipeline would be regulated at the federal level, not by county officials.
Texas Gas said the route is not finalized, but potential paths include parts of Shelby, Carroll and Trimble counties, avoiding Louisville and continuing west past Hardinsburg.
If approved, construction could begin in 2028, with the pipeline operational by 2030.
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