GAS RESERVOIR PROTEST GROUP TO ADDRESS COUNCIL:

Gas Reservoir Protest Group to Address Council

by Trish Johnson

The Katy Times

Representatives from a group protesting the location for a proposed series of natural gas injection wells are expected to address Katy City Council members at Thursday's regularly scheduled meeting, according to city officials.

Dan O'Malley and Betty M. Blake, representing the Hillebrenner Protestors, have been granted a place on council's agenda for the evening meeting.

The Hillebrenner Protestors are opposing a plan by Western Gas Resources Storage, Inc., a Colorado-based company, to utilize a natural reservoir site just south of Katy, adjacent to Green Busch Road, as the location for a natural gas storage site.

According to Western Gas Resources Inc. officials, the plan calls for placing injection wells on the site to insert natural gas below the land surface into the subterranean reservoir, pressurizing the reservoir to 3,000 pounds per square inch (psi).

However, property owners in the area, including residents homes are located on property situated above the underground reservoir, have repeatedly sought assistance from public officials to halt the plan, citing safety and health concerns.

Last month, Fort Bend Country Commissioners voted to oppose the plan and to send a resolution to that effect to the Texas Railroad Commission.

According to state officials, the commission is empowered to approve or disapprove the proposal for the injection wells.