Pipeline push worries Chester County farmers

"Once we find out what land is available for a station, then we will decide the pipeline route," Donovan said. "But we need to get in there and talk to the community and find out their feelings about the whole thing."

Although Dominion Keystone is meeting with landowners in the western and central parts of the state, he stressed that the pipeline project is in its very preliminary stage.

No meetings have been set with Chester County landowners, Donovan said. He added that the timetable called for filing an application with FERC for a certificate next year, with construction starting in 2011.

But a pipeline is not part of Ken Miller's vision for his farm. He and his wife, Sue, have launched a cheesemaking business using milk from their Holstein cows. Among fans of artisan cheeses, Birchrun Blue has been a runaway hit, and has helped put the small dairy farm on a path of sustainability.

"We've all taken steps to preserve our ground," Miller said of himself and his neighbors. "And then Dominion comes in. I never thought it would happen, but here it is."