By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
At least two Bowling Green City Council members are interested in taking the Nexus pipeline fight further.
Council has already rejected an easement to allow the pipeline to cross city-owned land within miles of the city’s water treatment plant. The city held a panel discussion with four geologists addressing their concerns about the pipeline. And the mayor has written several letters identifying concerns to FERC, federal and state legislators, and the pipeline.
But on Monday, council member John Zanfardino suggested that the city look into filing a motion to intervene on the project with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
“I know there are questions of cost,” Zanfardino said. But the costs may be worth it to ensure safe drinking water, he said.
Zanfardino referred to one of the panelist’s concerns that the environmental statement for the pipeline did not even mention several risks.
“This seems to give us a legal leg to stand on,” if something happens, Zanfardino said of the motion to intervene.
Though one of the panelists said the cost to file a motion to intervene would be “negligible,” the city’s legal counsel thinks otherwise, especially if it leads to greater litigation and expense. So Zanfardino suggested some exploration should be done.
“We’re running out of time,” he said. FERC tends to rubber-stamp pipeline projects even in the best of times, Zanfardino said. “And we’re not in the best of times.”
Council member Daniel Gordon agreed.
“There is a real sense of urgency here,” he said. “We can’t put a price tag on our water supply here in Northwest Ohio.”
Gordon mentioned the Rover pipeline project which is going through southern Wood County. He called that project “a disaster,” with the company already violating several environmental regulations. There is no reason to expect better from Nexus, Gordon said.
Council president Mike Aspacher suggested that Zanfardino and Gordon work closely with the city attorney and administrator as they research a next step and draft a resolution.
And council member Bruce Jeffers said the city needs to consider the costs of litigation compared to the costs of potential risks to the city’s water supply.
In other business at Monday’s meeting:
- Citizen Barbara Keller suggested the city consider repurposing Conneaut and Kenwood elementaries, if the school district proceeds with plans to build a centralized elementary. Rather than using property on South Grove Street for a new senior center, Keller said Kenwood should be considered since it is handicapped accessible, and has a cafeteria, library, gym and stage. And Conneaut School could be repurposed as a city administration building, she suggested.
- Public Works Director Brian Craft said the new traffic signal at Fairview and Poe will be completed soon. He also reported that the four-foot wide sidewalks on Fairview are being replaced with five-foot sidewalks.
- Council appointed Sheila Brown to the Human Relations Commission, and Will Airhart to the city planning commission.
- Mayor Dick Edwards announced a Flag Day and Elder Abuse Awareness event will be held June 14, at 10 a.m., at the Wood County Senior Center.
- Council voted to buy four acres at 21134 Hull Prairie Road for a possible water reservoir in the future.
- Utilities Director Brian O’Connell was authorized to enter into contracts for leasing of city-owned property for agricultural purposes.
