Commissioners pass pipeline resolution, address concerns
The Davidson County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution urging federal and state regulatory commissions to address concerns about the proposed expansion of the Transcontinental natural gas pipeline through Davidson County.
The resolution, which was apassed on Dec. 8, urges the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality to “meaningfully address safety and environmental concerns” regarding the Southeast Supply Enhancement Project.
Regional advocates with concerns about the proposed pipeline are leading the opposition. "The Resolution of Concern on Transco-Williams' proposed Southeast Supply Enhancement Project from the Davidson County Commissioners is a clear testament to effectiveness of public participation in local political processes. Due to community pressure that refused to let up, we saw these powerful decision makers take a stand to represent the voice of the people who do not want additional fossil fuel infrastructure in their community, or anywhere else." said Aidan Loretz, Community Organizer with 7 Directions of Service
The SSEP project includes almost 28 miles of new pipeline adjacent to existing Transco pipelines through portions of Davidson County and Lexington. It also includes three new natural gas-fired turbines and emergency generators at a pumping station on Becky Hill Road in Lexington.
The purpose of the project, according to Transco, is to increase natural gas supply for residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the future. But concerns have been raised about the potential impact on public safety, water and air quality and other issues.
Several people spoke at the commissioners' meeting in support of the resolution.
“Thank you for passing a resolution of concern and asking that it be done responsibly, environmentally safer,” said Jeneen Orioli, who lives near the compressor station near Lexington. “We, the residents, bear the biggest burden in our health, in our quality of life and our property values being reduced and our utility bills being increased. Do not add insult to injury by supporting this project without taking into consideration safer alternatives. Expansion is inevitable but let's do it in a way that protects the people and the planet.”
“I stand with the concerned citizens who are voicing their opinion on the Transco pipeline and the dangers to air quality in particular the danger to those individuals who have already compromised immune systems, as well as, our children who deserve to play in a safe environment without toxins going out affecting their breathing,” said Rev. Alan Suber, president of the Davidson County NAACP.
The resolution asked the state and federal regulatory agencies to conduct “comprehensive environmental reviews” and determine whether proposed projects are in the public interest including the health, safety, environmental, economic, and quality-of-life concerns raised by Davidson County residents.
It also asked for a comprehensive Environmental Assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act that evaluates all potential risks and alternatives to the proposed pipeline project, including a “no action” alternative.
The resolution also stated that residents in Davidson County should be consulted and that their input is reflected in any final determinations regarding the project. And that Transco should be required to submit plans for how they would effectively notify residents and local emergency management agencies during emergency events.
Commissioners requested FERQ and NCDEQ to deny approval of the project and required permits until the requested actions in the resolution have been satisfied.
About 700 residents live within three miles of the proposed compressor station expansion, which includes three new natural gas-fired combustion turbines and emergency generators. Transco has applied to modify the station's air quality permit to reflect these increases in emissions.
Crystal Norford, Environmental Justice Organizer for Clean Water for North Carolina, thanked the board for passing the resolution and using their power to hold Transco accountable to the highest standards.
“We know SSEP will not benefit our community and the risks could be detrimental. The proposal to quadruple the size of compression Station 155 would worsen air quality and result in higher levels of higher pollutants. SSEP would harm already overburdened communities,” said Norford.
Davidson County is the fifth governing body to adopt a resolution of concern on this project, following Midway, Guilford County, Forsyth County and Greensboro.
