Should Pierce County approve a new natural gas pipeline? Here’s what we know
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Council to consider 15-year franchise for eight-mile pipeline using landfill methane.
- Company would apply for steel-pipe permits to tie landfill gas into regional grid.
- Staff cite local construction jobs, possible price relief and environmental risks.
The Pierce County Council is considering an ordinance that would allow for a new natural-gas pipeline to be built in unincorporated Pierce County to transport methane from a nearby landfill, according to council documents.
If approved Oct. 14, Washington Mid-South LLC and the county would enter into a 15-year franchise agreement for a new eight-mile pipeline that would connect with the Williams Co./Northwest Pipeline, according to a staff report. The company would be allowed to apply for permits for a new steel pipe that would transport methane from the LRI Landfill near 304th Street East and State Route 161 south of Graham.
According to an equity note created by county staff, the new pipeline would provide local construction jobs and potentially lower the cost of natural gas due to increased supply in the region.
“The source of this natural gas comes from methane gas created at the County landfill that [is] currently not all utilized and captured,” the equity note said.
Staff noted there would be increased traffic congestion in the area during construction, and there were “potential environmental concerns” when building/maintaining a natural-gas pipeline.
The ordinance was sponsored by District 3 council member Amy Cruver and received a “do pass” recommendation from the Pierce County Rules and Operations Committee on Sept. 29.
This story was originally published October 3, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
