GAS PLAN OPPOSED:

At KISD Meeting Gas Plan Opposed

By Mignette Y. Patrick

The Houston Chronicle

Western Gas Resources, Inc.'s proposed plan to replenish depleted underground gas reservoirs located in the Katy Gas Field drew criticism during the visitors section of the Sept. 23 Katy ISD board meeting.

William S. Bell, representing the Hillebrenner Protesters Group, asked KISD trustees to oppose the project.

Bell cited safety concerns and fears that neighboring residential property may be devaluated if the Texas Railroad Commission approves the project.

"We'd like to petition the school district to join with us to oppose the project before the railroad commission," Bell says.

"They'll (Western Gas Resources, Inc.) remove gas from existing pipelines and reinject it.  They (gas wells) are 34 years old," Bell explained.  "The life of (well) casing is only 30 years."

During an August meeting of the Katy City Council, executives from Western Gas Resources, Inc., discussed plans to repair and patch gas wells and pipelines that needed such attention.  Bell did not discuss these plans during his presentation.

Bell also cited the potential problem of natural gas leakage into the water supply.

"There's no guarantee that there won't be a problem," he says.  "All this affects the school district."

"We are concerned about property values declining," says Bell, adding that property devaluation would negatively affect KISD's property tax revenues.

The Texas Railroad Commission has scheduled a public hearing on the proposed project from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sept. 27 at VFW Hall, 6206 Sixth Street.