Oregon Public Broadcasting

Utility companies presented their plans for a 220-mile natural gas pipeline through central Oregon Tuesday in Madras.

Ethan Lindsey reports on the open house – and the possibility that the pipeline may be rerouted.

The Palomar pipe would pump gas from a key connector in eastern Oregon, near Shaniko, to the Portland metro area.

And it could be expanded, if a liquefied natural gas terminal was built on the coast.

Recently, the Warm Springs tribes requested new alternatives to the original crossing of the Deschutes River.

Michael Burke is the assistant project manager.

Michael Burke: “The Deschutes River is a tough river to come up with a route to cross. You have a 100-mile stretch of a river that we need to get across, that’s designated wild and scenic. And therefore, we’re trying to come up with a route that works best for everyone with the least impact.”

Critics say the pipe will infringe on private and public lands, destroy habitat, and that it's part-and-parcel with the controversial LNG projects.

The open houses, in Madras and Maupin, were set up to present the plans, and alternatives, to local landowners.