New Woodinville Gas Pipeline Proposed Through Hollywood Hill

A large natural gas pipeline is proposed by Puget Sound Energy for the portion of the Tolt Pipeline Trail that runs through Hollywood Hill. A public hearing to address the  issue of the pipeline will be held Tuesday night by the Upper Bear Creek Community Council (UBCC) at 7:30 p.m. at the Woodinville Water District.

David Namura, Community Affairs Representative for Puget Sound Energy (PSE) will be at the meeting to discuss the project. Nancy Stafford, board member of UBCC, said PSE does not have a start date for the project, but this is the community’s opportunity to weigh in on the project.

PSE bought access to the Tolt Pipeline Trail through Hollywood Hill to lay a 16-inch natural gas pipeline alongside the existing Seattle Utilities water pipeline.

“This is just my opinion, but what bothers me is Seattle Utilities sold those rights to PSE without ever notifying any of the residents who live along the pipeline,” Stafford said.

A sharp eyed Hollywood Hill resident, Lori Cloudon, saw a survey crew along the pipeline trial taking measurements and asked what they were doing, when they told her about the proposed natural gas pipeline, she began researching the project and notified Stafford.

“That’s what we’re here for, to help be a liaison between residents and the county,” Stafford said. “The community has asked for a meeting, and we are responding to the community’s request.”

Also in attendance at the meeting will be Randy Sandin, division director, Land Use Services Division, King County Dept. of Development and Environmental Services.

Here is the description of the Upper Bear Creek Community Council from its website:

In August of 1997, community members residing in the Woodinville/Cottage Lake area began a series of meetings with King County to explore the formation of a UAC. The idea was presented to the general public on April 30, 1998. At this meeting, other community organizations became part of the Steering Committee that founded the present Upper Bear Creek Community Unincorporated Area Council.

The Upper Bear Creek Community Unincorporated Area Council is recognized by King County Motion 10708, passed on June 14, 1999.

Who we are and what we do: The upper Bear creek Community Council meets the second and fourth Tuesday of most months. The purpose of the council is to inform, assist and represent our community in dealing with King County government and other entities with respect to issues that affect our community. We are recognized by King County as the Unincorporated Area Council serving the Upper Bear Creek area. The council is a volunteer organization with an elected board. Residents are welcome and encouraged to participate. We are not a conflict resolution source. The meeting location varies; please contact Nancy Stafford at 425-788-5841 to confirm location.

Editor's note: previous versions of this story incorrectly stated the size of the proposed gas pipe. According to PSE, the gas pipeline proposed is 16 inches not 40 inches.