Temporary Injunction Issued in South Conroe Gas Pipeline Compressor Station Battle

CONROE, TX -- Following several court dates in the 457th Judicial District Court of Judge Vince J. Santini, in late August and early September, a Temporary Injunction was issued late Monday afternoon, in favor of the plaintiff Bartholet Home Furnishings in Conroe. The defendant in the case, Blackfin Pipeline LLC, had started the project to build a large natural gas compressor station handling a 48-inch pipeline next to the South Conroe furniture district. The Bartholets’ showroom and associated warehouses, located on I-45 South next to the intended plant, also includes a play area for several of the Bartholet children, who regularly spend time daily at the store run by the family. Bartholet Family spokeswoman Sarah Bartholet Gwin, started noticing activity on the nearly seven acre site in early July, and after doing research became alarmed at the close quarters placement of the site, as opposed to the normally rural placement of compressor stations whose site locations are well over twenty acres.

“We have been waiting for a decision from the court for about a week and a half,” said Gwin. “And when our attorney called about the Temporary Injunction today we all collectively breathed a sigh of relief.”

The injunction by Judge Santini bars any further construction on the site, preventing Blackfin from installing compressor equipment, or conducting any testing on the pipelines, plus prohibiting blowdowns on the property. The judge’s order will remain in effect pending an anticipated trial date which is scheduled for May 26, 2026.

Some disturbing filings were submitted to the court in the testimony of pipeline experts, which indicated that in operation of the compressors the sound conditions of the site would be as loud as a constant siren, or 100 decibels. In addition, the ‘blowdowns,’ or the procedure to relieve pressure on the natural gas lines, would happen up to 144 times per year, with its product being the equivalent to the sounds made by sonic-boom blasts. And with the Bartholet showroom being so close to the sound source, the disruption to business and possible damage to their buildings and nearby vehicles has yet to be accounted for.

The Bartholets’ have been critical of loud noise emanating from the site with unannounced hydro-testing on the pipeline which has created sounds so high that employees have had to cover their ears for protection. Notifications to the police were reported to document the situation. Further court testimony revealed the use of flaring, or, the literal use of large open flames to burn off excess natural gas, thus releasing pollutants in the surrounding air.

“The store is our livelihood, and we are going to fight all the way,” said Gwin. “Our legal team is of the belief that Blackfin will not choose to appeal.”

In Judge Santini’s 17 page temporary ruling, he demonstrated concerns for the constant loud noise in operations, as well as the flaring, finding that they violate local restrictive covenants and more than demonstrate intentional nuisances to the local businesses and nearby residences in Grand Central Park. He also questioned Blackfin’s decision to pursue the project without conducting due diligence to fully comprehend the restrictions set upon the lands concerned.

It has yet to be determined if Blackfin will appeal Santini’s temporary injunction late May deadline. In their own website, Blackfin clearly demonstrates in photos and documentation that placement for compressor stations are for rural conditions, where flaring, sonic booms, and blowdowns can be conducted in absolute safety.