Centerville residents question pipeline plan

CENTERVILLE — A handful of residents expressed concern Tuesday about the safety and impact of an oil pipeline proposed to run down Pages Lane.

The concerns were aired in a public hearing about a "franchise agreement" between the city and Holly Energy Partners. The agreement would allow Centerville to review plans for the pipeline and claim up to $10 million for any environmental damage from the pipeline.

Centerville has entered into the agreement with Holly because, under federal and state law, the company can use eminent domain to build an interstate pipeline project. The city would rather have a say in the project than allow the company to use eminent domain, said Councilman Paul Cutler.

Resident Monica Gardner told the council Tuesday she was not convinced the city could not forbid Holly Energy from building. She said she was worried the pipeline might rupture during an earthquake. Gardner's home is located directly below the Wasatch Fault.

"My suggestion is to say 'no' and let them condemn," she said. "I think you'll come out ahead."

The Centerville City Council did not make any comment about Gardner's remarks. It also did not make any recommendations about the franchise agreement. Instead, it plans to hold a public hearing once the agreement is finalized later this year.