South Bibb residents worry new rail spur will add problems to already contaminated area

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Macon-Bibb Planning and Zoning Commission put the decision to build a new pipeline in South Bibb County on hold for the fourth time. Barnes Ferry Road residents feel this gives them more time to show the harmful effects of the proposed ethanol pipeline.

There’s already a jet fuel pipeline in the area. About 30 years ago, it broke and leaked into neighbors water wells. The company is still working to clean it up. Now that ethanol is considered a hazardous material, neighbors are worried another leak could create a bigger problem for an already contaminated area.

“I’m scared to death for the health of the folks living in that area,” said Macon-Bibb County Commissioner Elaine Lucas.

The people who live on Barnes Ferry Road are still dealing with the effects of a jet fuel pipeline burst from 1988.

“I had a gentleman come to the house this morning and say they told him not to drink his water from the well because they tested it and the water was not drinkable,” explained Arthur Hubbard, who lives off Barnes Ferry Road.

When Hubbard found out another company wanted to put an ethanol pipeline in his neighborhood, he was in shock.

“You want to bring another product in that will mix with water, mix with jet fuel? What kind of problem will that create for us?” asked Hubbard.

The Macon-Bibb Planning and Zoning Commission postponed the decision another 30 days at the request of Epic Midstream, the company trying to build the pipeline. On October 1st, ethanol will be considered a hazardous material.

“That changes the whole landscape as to public safety. It’s a flammable product. It’s got health issues involved with it as well. We decided to take a step back and take a second look at it,” explained Jim Thomas, the Executive Director for The Macon-Bibb Planning and Zoning Commission.

Macon-Bibb commissioners recently announced their support for the residents of Barnes Ferry Road.

“Folks in the area have not been adequately protected in this situation and they’ve not been adequately involved in the whole discussion,” said Lucas.

Eight out of nine commissioners signed a letter that asks Planning and Zoning to delay the application until more information is available.

“How much fuel do you think is in the ground? They could not give us an answer,” recalled Hubbard.

Adding another chemical to an already existing problem is not a risk these neighbors want to take. Hubbard thinks the company’s request for a 30 day deferral is an attempt to get the neighbors to forget about the issue. He says they won’t. He intends to be back in commission chambers on July 13th for the next meeting.