CONROE, Texas – After months of community pushback and a court order halting construction, Blackfin Pipeline has agreed to relocate its planned high-pressure natural gas compressor station in Conroe.
The owners of Bartholet Furnishings filed a lawsuit against Blackfin Pipeline in Montgomery County claiming the project was a safety hazard and they had land rights protecting nuisance from being placed next door to the business.
The proposed site of the compressor station is within a 5 mile radius from several business, Interstate 45 and hundreds of houses.
Crews and heavy equipment were on site Tuesday beginning removal work, a sight the Bartholet family says they had been praying to see.
“We have been praying for this day to happen,” said Sarah Bartholet Gwin. “Our whole family has literally—we’re eating again, we are sleeping again."
In September, a Montgomery County district judge granted a temporary injunction blocking construction and certain testing at the I-45 site, finding that the companies’ planned use would breach recorded restrictive covenants that prohibit nuisance and fire/pollution-producing activities.
“It is something that has been so impactful on our family and it’s been a nightmare,” said Gwin. “It’s something I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy, but to see this happening right now, so many prayers have been answered.”
Last month, the company agreed to relocate.
In a statement to the Conroe city attorney, Blackfin leaders sent the following:
“After further discussions with our primary shipper on the Blackfin Pipeline, and based on their consideration of the community’s concerns, Blackfin has agreed to move the location of the Conroe Compressor Station. We look forward to working collaboratively with the City of Conroe to ensure the safe, reliable, and considerate operation of the Blackfin Pipeline.
While the original proposed siting for the Compressor Station complies with all applicable laws, regulations, ordinances, and covenants, Blackfin has agreed to relocate it to an alternative site in light of the unique circumstances. We will keep the Council and appropriate stakeholders informed during this process.
Blackfin is grateful for the time and consideration we received from the City of Conroe’s officials and technical staff, who reviewed and approved construction drawings and issued site preparation permits and easements necessary for construction. Thanks to this collaboration the design of the Conroe Compressor Station is safe and compliant with all applicable noise ordinances.
Blackfin appreciates the continued support of the Blackfin Pipeline from the City of Conroe, Montgomery County and State of Texas. This important infrastructure project, permitted by the Texas Railroad Commission in 2023 will extend from Colorado County to Jasper County and create economic benefit and jobs for local economies. We are very proud to operate in the State of Texas and City of Conroe and look forward to many years of working together to advance our State and nation’s economic prosperity."
The city of Conroe also put out the following statement:
“The City of Conroe received confirmation this morning, Wednesday, October 8th, 2025, from Blackfin Pipeline, LLC, notifying the City that they will relocate the Conroe Compressor Station to an alternate site, yet to be determined. The City hired professionals and allocated resources to take an aggressive stand to revoke the permits that were issued by the City. On Saturday, October 4th, the City released its Agenda for the upcoming Council Meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 9th. Agenda item #11 is to discuss and consider a resolution following the Montgomery County District Court Order and rescinding all City of Conroe Permits issued to Whitewater/Blackfin Pipeline and/or Montgomery Investments LLC and immediately issue a stop work order. Blackfin reached out to City Officials and is eager to collaborate with the City of Conroe to ensure the safe, reliable, and considerate operation of the project in the future. Staff members will meet with Blackfin to discuss the future location and assist in a better site selection process. Staff who were directly involved in the approval of this project are no longer employed with the City. The City appreciates the dedicated efforts of our citizens in collecting signatures, attending Council Meetings, and raising awareness about the potential dangers the compressor station may have posed.
‘We are thrilled that Blackfin has decided to relocate their compressor station away from the homeowners, citizens, and private businesses, some of which have been part of the Conroe Community for the past 60 years. This decision shows that by collaborating, working together with our citizens, and staying positive we can achieve anything.’ City Administrator, Gary Scott.”