Enbridge now has permission to run a second pipeline through the Livingston County Airport, but some say the company hasn't treated other local property owners fairly and that the county should have negotiated better terms with Enbridge before giving the green light.
An offer was given for Enbridge to pay $400,000 to run a new oil pipeline through the Livingston County Airport. The county board of commission approved the decision unanimously about a week ago.
But Jeanette Diflorio, a democrat running for Livingston County office, says that decision came too soon.
"The commission could have used some of their leverage and have Enbridge do the right thing," said Diflorio.
Which to Diflorio, would be making sure other homeowners affected by the new pipeline would be treated fairly. Something she says hasn't always happened in the past.
"These individuals' property has been torn up for awhile. Other ones, they're going to be going through, but they still don't have a settlement. Somebody needs to stand up. This is a national corporation. This is a Canadian corporation against the homeowner. They need somebody to stand on their side," said Diflorio.
Livingston County Commissioner John LaBelle says while he sympathizes with homeowners, he says the board's power in dealing with Enbridge was limited. He says the only recourse lies in the courts, where he expects many homeowners will wind up with Enbridge in the near future.
The Livingston County Airport Manager says work on the new line shouldn't cause any serious interruptions to service.
Enbridge says the new pipeline will be put in the ground next to the current 6-B pipeline. Officials say once the new line is activated, the old one will be cleaned and turned off.
