Update on Lawsuit Against Kinder Morgan
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wimberley Valley Watershed Association and Trinity Edwards Springs Association Press Release
August 13, 2020
In June 2020, attorneys for Trinity Edwards Springs Projection Association (TESPA), acting on behalf of Blanco County landowners whose sole source of drinking water was contaminated, filed suit in federal court against the Permian Highway Pipeline LLC (PHP) and its managing partner, Kinder Morgan. Details of the suit can be found in the June 22 press package.
Today, we are providing an update on the case and a recent victory of sorts to keep the pipeline away from the Blanco River. Kinder Morgan has agreed to reroute the pipeline around the Blanco River, and a new pipeline path is now being considered.
“There is no good place for this pipeline in the Texas Hill Country, but we have been pushing to put it someplace less bad than in the Blanco River,” said Jeff Mundy, lead attorney for TESPA.
“Keeping the pipeline out of the Blanco River has been our highest priority,” added Patrick Cox, TESPA executive director. “Now we are working towards improved erosion control measures to protect Jacob’s Well, the Cypress Creek watershed, and Wanslow Creek. These areas have been high priority areas for water quality protection.”
“The federal government has invested millions of dollars to protect water quality in these areas, as well as millions of local taxpayer dollars to protect Jacob’s Well,” said David Baker, WVWA executive director. “We will be watching to make sure that Kinder Morgan is mindful and will protect these areas before the Fall rains come.”
Next step for the lawsuit is a meeting among the attorneys set for Tuesday, August 18, 2020, but the chances for a trial date within the next year look quite remote. The coronavirus pandemic has slowed the wheels of justice – or at least courtroom schedules and civil trial calendars are being pushed far into the future.
“Best guess is that a trial will be two years or more out.” Mr. Mundy estimated.
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Media Contact:
Karen Ford, WaterPR, kford@waterpr.com
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