Proposed Natural Gas Pipeline Sparks Controversy In Md.

COCKEYSVILLE, Md. (WJZ) -- There's controversy about a plan to put a natural gas pipeline straight through suburban communities. The underground line would span more than 20 miles from Baltimore County into Harford County.

Kai Jackson explains some are outraged by the plan to dig up their backyards.

Federal regulators met with Baltimore County citizens Tuesday evening, and they got an earful.

Columbia Gas is moving full steam ahead in efforts to install a new natural gas pipeline, a plan state Senate Bobby Zirkin opposes.

"There's a lot of treasures in this district that they're going to be trampling right through and that is my concern," Zirkin said.

Indiana-based NiSource is Columbia's parent company. Columbia Gas wants to put a new 21-mile line between Owings Mills in Baltimore County and Fallston in Harford County.

"We took a look at our system, looked for opportunities to increase reliability for our customers," said NiSource spokesman Mike Banas.

Baltimore County residents met with federal regulators in Cockeysville Monday night, anxious to voice concern and learn how the project might impact their homes and the environment.

"This is not just about maintenance. This is about a second line. It is about expanding their entire line from the Gulf states on to New York," Zirkin said.

Putting in a natural gas line is an issue that involves both science and emotion, yet not everyone here is convinced that what Columbia Gas is doing is unnecessary.

"I wanted to look at both sides of the coin. I know a company's not gonna put millions of dollars into a project unless it was needed," said Kathy Kingsley.

Wednesday, there will be a hearing in Fallston. It takes place at 7 p.m. at Youth's Benefit Elementary School.