Atlanta Gas Light Holds Open House for Pipeline Debate

Officials from Atlanta Gas Light met with the public on Tuesday night to discuss the controversial regulator station that the company is building in DeKalb-Peachtree Airport's flight path.

The event was held at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Clairmont Road.

In a story first reported here on Patch, AGL is replacing portions of its so-called Eastside Pipeline. It is also building a gas regulator pipeline station directly in DeKalb-Peachtree Airport's flight path, which has some residents worried about potential public safety issues.

"It's an interesting land-use conflict," State Representative Mary Margaret Oliver told Patch. "I'm glad there's a discussion going on, but people are unhappy for a reason. Safety issues are relevant."

AGL is constructing the gas regulator station near the intersection of Clairmont Road and Tanglewood Circle.

While AGL spokespersons say the station and pipeline are safe, some local residents say the company has not been forthcoming about addressing the concerns of local residents.

Ashford Park Civic Association board member Erica Mymudes said, "you know when everyone keeps saying 'it's great, it's great,' then you know it's not great." 

They also cite recent attacks on similar gas regulator stations in other parts of the nation. Last summer, a man attempted to blow up a Plano, Texas, gas regulator station, which led some residents to question the safety of such facilities. A pipeline safety expert later said that the explosion could have resulted in a deadly neighborhood catastrophe.