Valero plans to build a pipeline from Hearne to Hutto, expanding the fuel supply for Central Texas. The 70-mile pipeline was to end at a distribution terminal with a storage capacity of 500,000 barrels of refined products.

“We’re real fortunate to work with the neighborhoods, the schools, the [Hutto Economic Development Corp.] and Valero on this project,” Hutto City Manager Odis Jones said. “It’s extremely important for us to have distance between the facility and schools and our neighborhoods.”

Jones said the proposed location, near the Williamson County Landfill on the west side of FM 1660 north of Chandler Road, is too close to residential neighborhoods and a future Hutto ISD high school.

The facility, Valero officials said when it was first announced, is not a refinery. It would include a five-bay truck rack and storage for refined gasoline and diesel products.

Shelly Engelke, a resident of the Gabriel Farms neighborhood, told the city she is happy the neighborhoods and city have worked with Valero to identify solutions.

On a website with a petition against the project coming to that area, Weldon Copeland said his family has lived in the area for 20-plus years. They are concerned about vapor odors, truck traffic, the proximity to the landfill and the San Gabriel River, and about the light noise.

The petition, started by Jeff Maurice, urged moving the 50-plus acre project out of the area.

As of Sept. 27, the petition had the support of 898 people.

“Valero is committed to being a safe, environmental and community-minded neighbor in the places we operate,” Valero spokesperson Lillian Riojas said.

“We have agreed to take a pause to give Valero an opportunity over the next few weeks to work alongside the community to evaluate potential alternatives.”

Jones said working together should yield a deal for Hutto and Valero.

“Our citizens are making a huge investment in that area between residential neighborhoods and a new high school in the future,” Jones said. “Our stance is that not every business is good for Hutto. This location wasn’t going to work. We are pro-business and pro-growth, but we’re going to be extremely protective of our residents.”

Valero’s 12-inch pipeline will transport 60,000 barrels per day of refined products.

The storage facility will allow more efficient delivery to Central Texas.

The facility would have an estimated cost of $200 million, and according to Valero would generate 350 development and construction jobs.

Valero also said as part of its commitment to the communities near the pipeline and route to terminals, it provides a first responder grant program to help emergency responders receive funding to support training and response equipment.

Negotiations for an alternate site began in August. An announcement is expected in October.