[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6087526,"mediaKeyId","2889662-811bc9f7a65e29b416b63e98c9b69604","parentId",2889662,"title","Oak Ridge residents urge council to oppose Transco pipeline expansion, cite water and safety risks","audioSeconds",2817,"startMs",462000,"endMs",3279000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2889662-811bc9f7a65e29b416b63e98c9b69604&start=462&end=3279","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2889662-811bc9f7a65e29b416b63e98c9b69604/thumbnail_462000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6087526/North-Carolina/Oak-Ridge-residents-urge-council-to-oppose-Transco-pipeline-expansion-cite-water-and-safety-risks","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6087526-bb3ffc329ed7ad24be9bd8c0fdde7a18/orig.mp4?Expires=1775495583&Signature=NrlMxxkkgnlEj8dBC-otiSWBc3uumbHjuHAUK0E0-Xh-qnVtwlYN9MGTebVV0uPbGt-NEneWy0J8xUvrl39zFAv3R7PnvxSS~ZHp5~Leaz25HIPUlR-02ychWSr~g~pkKaIxXokE6~SzxjfBV0CxMJUQhqdbIGkqr-71x10TrWHWQ4-KULViv9kjVR92p5f9sCpBb2I300ehT0nY6B4W8rUMzGZ3nMlvwepwSTqgVrdY~ha08Jw-7lNSYF0FCgugMZxuc~WLuBso0KvBy0mnBaipPf1tVW80B9e8xOSyE0XjRrpeCjmxDcrV8Cq3ZEpI0BJhIFL977f2J5A~qN8YAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-04-07T04:09:54.407Z","article","Dozens of residents told the Town of Oak Ridge Town Council on Feb. 6 that they oppose the Southeastern Supply Enhancement Project, a proposed Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line (Transco) expansion that would add a high-pressure 42-inch pipeline adjacent to existing lines running through the town.

Speakers asked the council to pass a formal resolution opposing the project, saying construction and operation pose risks to private wells, surface water and public safety and would threaten historic properties in town. \"We are asking the Oak Ridge town council to vote and pass a resolution opposing the SSEP project through our town,\" resident Ron Ray said.

Why it matters: Speakers said the proposed route would run near Oak Ridge Elementary School, Oak Ridge Military Academy, several churches and businesses and hundreds of homes. They argued the project would offer little local benefit while exposing residents to potential leaks, explosions and long-term contamination of groundwater that private well owners would have to address themselves.

Residents and experts highlighted several concerns cited during public comment:

- Groundwater and wells: Several residents said pipeline construction and the chemicals used in coatings and lubricants present a risk to private wells and streams that feed regional supplies. Emily Sutton, Haw River Keeper and executive director of the Haw River Assembly, said private wells are not protected by the Safe Drinking Water Act and that groundwater contamination is difficult to remediate.

- Safety and blast zone concerns: Multiple speakers described the proximity of homes, schools and businesses to pipeline right-of-way and warned about blast or fire risk if a rupture occurs. Brenda Cheney cited a 2008 rupture in Appomattox, Va., saying the incident produced a 20-foot-deep, 2,200-foot-long crater and that homes had to be evacuated.

- Construction impacts and property damage: Residents reported encountering company crews on private property and expressed concern about vibrations, digging near decades-old infrastructure, and damage to wells and roadways during construction.

- Historic and environmental harms: Terry Hammond, who serves on the Guilford County Historic Preservation Commission, said the pipeline could affect National Register properties including the Old Mill of Guilford and the Oak Ridge historic district. Other speakers warned about stream crossings that can damage aquatic habitat.

Speakers pointed to prior civic actions in other counties as precedent for local opposition. Sutton cited an Alamance County resolution that she said contributed to the Mountain Valley Pipeline Southgate Extension being routed away from that county. Community advocate Claire Spear said local and state resolutions have sometimes created political cover for higher-level elected officials to act.

Council response and next steps: Several council members and the town manager acknowledged they do not have regulatory authority to stop a federally regulated pipeline but said they were listening to constituents’ concerns. Town Manager Bill Bruce announced administrative items later in the meeting but did not place a pipeline resolution on the Feb. 6 agenda. Council members said they would continue to consider the request to draft and vote on a resolution at a future meeting.

No formal council action on the pipeline was taken during the Feb. 6 meeting.

Ending: Residents asking for a resolution said they would follow up with the council; some asked council members to coordinate with county and state officials and to request a full environmental study if the project proceeds. The transcript records repeated pleas that the council \"stand with us\" and pass a resolution opposing the SSEP expansion.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town Council Meeting February 6th 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Dozens of residents told the Town of Oak Ridge Town Council on Feb. 6 that they oppose the Southeastern Supply Enhancement Project, a proposed Transco pipeline expansion that would place a new high-pressure line adjacent to existing lines through town.","taxTitle","Town of Oak Ridge, Guilford County, North Carolina","taxId",57591,"location","North Carolina","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6087511,"Oak Ridge fire department ran 75 calls in January; Guilford County sheriff reports 23 calls, 11 case reports",722,208000,930000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2889662-811bc9f7a65e29b416b63e98c9b69604&start=208&end=930","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2889662-811bc9f7a65e29b416b63e98c9b69604/thumbnail_208000.jpg","/articles/6087511/North-Carolina/Oak-Ridge-fire-department-ran-75-calls-in-January-Guilford-County-sheriff-reports-23-calls-11-case-reports","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6087511-931855712b7d898e372919c81370256b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775495583&Signature=JnTIFfn4RzDtFIuSQ5tFgM2Erdk-t3D8Wwav2l3MLDLFFuR57750pp9Q3vXRPXGNjJ4L9p1BqHp6XRcx65q9n6w2sW9t1o2~lfHzzO68PxU2BKmoUZrcKcOwBppd3qU50KO9lE-rfbVb9BukKix~L5tCPAaScG7La3Stjg1VSCXwsCkzMWE3eoKd7Y0h1fPk17a3mig69AvO-7RAn5AlB5VzQDn4K0w-jfwA2xah0IuauIuLAABt~hC2eESladSf~YQwX7e80Cjegh71npR9kWuytcpCfxHka58D1cZDpk8ME9N-O813XofBgMl~r2XATLQ7DcfF6K1EL-TG8-nsaA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oak Ridge Fire Department and a Guilford County Sheriff's Office deputy provided monthly updates to the Town of Oak Ridge Town Council on Feb. 6.

Oak Ridge Fire Department

- Presenter: John Eunice, Oak Ridge Fire Department.
- January activity: 75 calls for service, the majority medical in nature. The department reported three structure fires during the month and approximately 800 hours of training.
- Public safety reminder: The department urged residents who use natural gas to ensure carbon-monoxide detectors are functioning and to call if an alarm sounds; false alarms happen but it is safer to have firefighters check.

Guilford County Sheriff's Office

- Presenter: Deputy Langford, Guilford County Sheriff's Office (patrol for Zone 14 covering Summerfield, Oak Ridge and Stokesdale).
- January activity in Oak Ridge town limits: 23 calls for service, resulting in 11 case reports.
- Notable incidents reported by the deputy: on Jan. 6, a 39-year-old male was arrested at the State Employees Credit Union at 2047 Oak Ridge Road on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges including forgery, identity theft and attempt to obtain property by false pretense; on Jan. 7, a 22-year-old former employee of Northwest Animal Hospital was charged with felony larceny by employee related to alleged theft from the business.

Ending: Deputy Langford said there were no other trends targeting the general public in the month. Council members thanked the agencies for their service and the department representatives for attending.

","The Oak Ridge Fire Department reported 75 calls in January, including three structure fires and about 800 hours of training. Deputy Langford of the Guilford County Sheriff's Office reported 23 calls for service within Oak Ridge and 11 case reports for January, including arrests for alleged fraud and larceny.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6087516,"Neighbors ask Oak Ridge to require tree replanting after clearing at Ashford subdivision",148,310000,458000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2889662-811bc9f7a65e29b416b63e98c9b69604&start=310&end=458","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2889662-811bc9f7a65e29b416b63e98c9b69604/thumbnail_310000.jpg","/articles/6087516/North-Carolina/Neighbors-ask-Oak-Ridge-to-require-tree-replanting-after-clearing-at-Ashford-subdivision","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6087516-d8a2f24b7e748e0a5af55da93a4120f3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775495583&Signature=i2T31GwG9MUlhZmm0uTPlOR1PM-PfOjzwSq3aTBgHAZgGsbU-yAemavKN0~0L~X51ScF1J2NZZrl-IlXdJxWYF9rbWgG6BN9AInpuKOkhYvj~5IluU2gW~BNrF2pNFZgKYy7S~5ZA7Pfmya98uXVuUqNjPyYGSz8wUsYiEeNG09N03pznVghJ1YpQIguExkfYygpMvaDjwHHbuxmrCAf9Y~iE7TWeDHwc0hKAMyZNEUFescDnY63jEhAz4tW7HMUAywzdbtsSSdzQlJk-siti~C3I~tVej-5c8u14W20-PuieBOeyl2tvcMHMpOYHW3XJumxGGIfw5q8ALoiUc9s-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Joanne Morris, a property owner adjacent to the Ashford subdivision, asked the Town of Oak Ridge Town Council on Feb. 6 to require the developer to replace trees that were removed or trimmed near her property and elsewhere on Lot 16.

Morris said a plan shown to residents in 2023 or early 2024 reduced the tree-preservation buffer on Lot 16 from 30 feet to 20 feet and that the preservation boundary was not clearly marked on site. She said builders have removed trees close to her property and presented the council with an illustrative landscape plan she said might be acceptable to the developer.

Town Manager Bill Bruce and the mayor directed Morris to consult with Shawn Taylor, the town’s planning director, who the council said would investigate whether the subdivision is complying with the town’s tree-preservation ordinance and whether replants are required to meet the ordinance’s tree-coverage standards.

Ending: The council did not take formal action at the meeting; staff were asked to follow up with the resident and investigate the matter.

","A resident told the Town Council that trees protected by the town's tree-preservation ordinance were removed or trimmed near the Ashford subdivision and asked the town to require the developer to replant to meet coverage standards.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6087521,"Oak Ridge council approves appointments, $300 horse-show donation and updates fidelity bond; finance report accepted",1062,2738000,3800000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2889662-811bc9f7a65e29b416b63e98c9b69604&start=2738&end=3800","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2889662-811bc9f7a65e29b416b63e98c9b69604/thumbnail_2738000.jpg","/articles/6087521/North-Carolina/Oak-Ridge-council-approves-appointments-300-horse-show-donation-and-updates-fidelity-bond-finance-report-accepted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6087521-540dea2bad49ea64e9017cd55c5f5d1f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775495583&Signature=mOuam20bFKuOYJeQza74lyUHH9Wd9hBhQ3nCLQBAmD~wrgk~CWLHYjZhRLMItRaESkkSRaCiP~SyUAUKVakOPVvZKI8dTcUe-2NlbgiwM~JIg6s~R3egmCH3iSDOMH8Az~JFFx1ZaI6138Xmxb3soaPhK-nI2lPdKQlLcjThX2hRmJzZUzwx9D7BPUoe0yU-g25ufD7gUXxXiRQPJMVyFTbAUdp0zri~IBRMn53joOIpogrl-9-D4QjbBLpNsSXtPAblC-Wq~MEF85ZH93pzeDxmcExq0YH624xh5mpJMfPPfpl4lrERCQNOFvJQft~myrj5FdzOXPxCk3Sv0bXFow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town of Oak Ridge Town Council on Feb. 6 approved multiple administrative items in a series of votes, including appointments to town boards, acceptance of the monthly finance report and a resolution updating fidelity-bond coverage for finance staff.

Appointments and reappointments

- The council approved appointments of Patrick Fiorentino to the Board of Adjustment (full member), Craig Rosenfeld to the Planning and Zoning Board (full member), Holly Stewart to the Finance Committee (full member) and Todd Dean as an alternate on the Finance Committee. A motion to approve that slate was moved and seconded and carried by voice vote.

- A slate of reappointments — including Stuart Meece (full member, Finance Committee), E. D. Bryant (full member, Finance Committee), Daniel Walraven (alternate, Finance Committee) and Debbie Schoenfeld (full member, Historic Preservation Commission) — was also presented and carried by a 3–2 vote.

Finance report and fidelity bond resolution

- The finance officer's monthly report was accepted by the council.

- The council approved Resolution R2025-01, updating the fidelity-bond requirements for the finance officer and assistant finance officers. Town staff said guidance from auditors and the Local Government Commission prompted the change to include large capital projects in the calculation; the bond amount was increased from $200,000 to $500,000 and staff said the added premium will be about $750 annually.

Donation to Oak Ridge Horse Show

- The council approved a $300 donation to the Oak Ridge Horse Show by a 3–2 vote. The request had prompted an extended public and council discussion about whether the organization uses the \"Oak Ridge\" name while operating events outside town and whether town funds should support an event not hosted in Oak Ridge. Some council members argued the donation was modest and supported a nod to local heritage; others said taxpayer funds should not be given to an outside organization.

No other formal ordinances or land-use votes were taken at the Feb. 6 meeting.

Ending: Council members said they will continue to monitor ongoing projects — including the water-tower construction behind Town Hall — and invited residents to attend committee meetings and the capital-improvement workshop scheduled later in February.

","At its Feb. 6 meeting the Town of Oak Ridge Town Council approved several board appointments and reappointments, accepted the finance officer's report, approved a $300 donation for the Oak Ridge Horse Show and adopted a resolution increasing the fidelity-bond amount for finance officers.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Oak Ridge residents urge council to oppose Transco pipeline expansion, cite water and safety risks

Oak Ridge fire department ran 75 calls in January; Guilford County sheriff reports 23 calls, 11 case reports

Neighbors ask Oak Ridge to require tree replanting after clearing at Ashford subdivision

Oak Ridge council approves appointments, $300 horse-show donation and updates fidelity bond; finance report accepted