Pipeline aids development

New natural gas pipeline will help development in western York County

While some York County residents will have to sacrifice their property for a new natural gas line, thousands will benefit.

The S.C. Supreme Court recently rejected a lawsuit filed by 11 landowners who had challenged the York County Natural Gas Authority's legal jurisdiction to connect a pipeline to the town of Blacksburg's natural gas source. The appeal is the result of a trial in 2006 in which the court ruled that the gas authority had the right to acquire the land.

Landowners could appeal the latest ruling but have yet to indicate they will do so.

Not all of the original landowners still were involved in the case by the time it reached the state Supreme Court. Many had agreed to sell the land needed for the pipeline to the gas authority.

Having to resort to eminent domain to buy property necessary for a project that will benefit the public often is difficult. It can involve forcing people to part with property they would rather keep.

But this project clearly will benefit customers throughout a large area in York and Chester counties. The gas authority will run 42.2 miles of pipeline from Kings Creek eastward across the two counties.

By connecting to the new source, the pipeline will save customers around $158 million in the first 50 years of operation, or an average of more than $3 million a year. That's nothing to sneeze at.

The transmission line also will have 88,000 plug-ins to the main distribution line. That enhances the opportunity for economic development in western York County, especially along S.C. 5.

Many residents undoubtedly will welcome the new pipeline. Unfortunately, a few had to sacrifice for the good of all.

That's regrettable, but under the circumstances, we think the high court made the right decision.