Haw River Keeper urges Oak Ridge to oppose Southeastern Supply Enhancement Project

During the recent Town Council meeting in Guilford County, community members voiced strong opposition to the Southeastern Supply Enhancement Project, urging council members to pass a resolution against the pipeline. Emily Sutton, the Haw River Keeper and executive director of the Haw River Assembly, highlighted the potential dangers this project poses to local water quality and community health.

Sutton emphasized that the construction of the pipeline could threaten groundwater safety, particularly for residents relying on private wells, which are not protected under the Safe Drinking Water Act. She explained that these wells would require residents to manage their own water testing and treatment, placing an unfair burden on them if contamination occurs. Sutton also raised concerns about the chemicals used in the pipeline's construction, which could lead to further contamination of local water sources.

The meeting featured personal testimonies from residents, including one individual who expressed fears about the pipeline's proximity to their home and the potential risks it poses to nearby children at a local preschool. This sentiment echoed Sutton's call for the council to take a stand similar to that of Alamance County, which previously opposed a different pipeline project, ultimately protecting its community from potential harm.

As discussions continue, the council faces pressure to act decisively in defense of local residents and their environmental safety. The outcome of this resolution could significantly impact the community's future, as residents seek assurance that their drinking water and natural resources will be safeguarded.