The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) on Aug. 1, approved the Greene County Industrial Development Board’s application to allow two pipelines from U.S. Nitrogen LLC’s plant to the Nolichucky River. TDOT earlier denied the permit for the pipelines along public right-of-way saying they were for private, not public use (GM June 23, p. 1). The IDB re-applied indicating that the pipelines are for public benefit and not just for U.S. Nitrogen. Other companies may also use the pipeline.
TDOT had earlier ruled that the pipelines could only be done by a public utility.
In the meantime, U.S. Nitrogen has also renewed negotiations with local utilities, a possible alternative to the pipeline.
Despite the TDOT approval, the matter is not fully settled, as opponents have appealed the recent air and water permits that the company received. In addition, a trial against local officials for violating the Tennessee Open Meetings Act in approving the zoning for the plant will be held in October. U.S. Nitrogen is not a party to that suit.
In addition, local utilities have threatened to sue if U.S. Nitrogen proceeds with the pipeline.