Residents of Haystack Ranches raise health concerns over proposed El Paso gas compressor station

During the Chino Valley Town Council meeting on December 10, 2024, residents raised significant concerns regarding the proposed El Paso natural gas compressor station, which is set to be built just a third of a mile from the Haystack Ranches community. A resident from Haystack Ranches highlighted the potential health risks associated with the compressor station, referencing a study that found alarming levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in homes near similar facilities.

The resident shared findings from a survey conducted by Environmental Advances, which indicated that individuals living near compressor stations reported various health issues linked to airborne organic compounds. The study involved a 24-hour air sampling campaign that assessed both indoor and outdoor air quality, revealing that indoor benzene levels in homes near the Williams Salem compressor station in Ohio were significantly higher than state safety standards.

This information has prompted residents to form a committee to further investigate the potential impacts of the compressor station on their health and environment. The community is particularly concerned about the rapid expansion of compressor stations and the need for more comprehensive research on their effects.

The council members acknowledged the residents' concerns and encouraged them to share the detailed findings via email for further review. This discussion underscores the ongoing dialogue between the Chino Valley Town Council and its residents regarding environmental safety and public health, as the community seeks to address the implications of industrial developments in their area.