Residents of Haystack Ranches voiced strong concerns during the Chino Valley Town Council meeting on December 10, 2024, regarding the proposed construction of an El Paso natural gas compressor station near their community. The station is planned to be located just a third of a mile from the northern border of Haystack Ranches, raising alarms about potential health risks and environmental impacts.

Local resident Christie highlighted alarming findings from a recent study on airborne organic compounds near compressor stations, which indicated that residents living close to such facilities reported various health issues. The study revealed that indoor levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were significantly higher than safety standards, prompting calls for further research and scrutiny of the proposed site.

Frank Fusari, another resident, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the ethical implications of placing a gas compressor station so near a residential area. He criticized the lack of communication from Kinder Morgan, the company behind the project, stating that many community members were unaware of the proposal until recently. Fusari warned that the construction could have detrimental effects not only on local health but also on the environment, potentially impacting ranching and recreational activities in the region.

The discussions at the meeting underscored a growing unease among residents about the implications of the compressor station, with calls for the council to take action to protect the community's health and well-being. As the council considers the project, the voices of Haystack Ranches residents highlight the need for transparency and thorough evaluation of environmental impacts before moving forward.