Gas Pipeline Interfering With Tuttle Water Line Construction Project

Tuttle

A small town in Grady County is grappling with an unforeseen construction problem, according to a report published Tuesday in the Journal Record.

A city water line is on hold as Tuttle’s city manager determines his next course of action. City Manager Tim Young says a gas pipeline is the cause of the delay.

Prior to last year, there wasn’t much drilling activity inside the city limits. City workers are now trying to establish and enforce permit processes after being hit with a flurry of construction requests last year, according to the Journal Record.

“We knew they were building pipelines, but we didn’t realize the extent,” said Young. “It makes sense that every time you drill a well you need a pipeline, but it truly didn’t click, the extent of the construction around city limits.”

Since mid-2015, there has been about 250,000 linear feet of pipeline constructed within city limits, about 30 square miles. Tuttle’s ordinance restricts construction within 75 feet of a section line. That gives the city a 50-foot easement for its utilities and 25 feet for a home’s front yard, according to the report.

If there are unregistered pipeline companies or other utilities located in the area, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission has enforcement authority to commence further action.

LINN Energy is building a new gas plant in Tuttle and needs water for the project. The driller has offered to cover $100,000 in construction costs to build the water pipeline, according to the report.