Liberty Utilities discusses natural gas rezoning project for Hall County expansion

The Hall County Board of Commissioners convened on March 27, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, primarily focusing on a proposed natural gas facility aimed at addressing supply constraints in the region.

The meeting began with a report from the Economic Development Council, highlighting that Liberty Utilities had reached out to 31 local industries regarding natural gas supply issues during cold weather, where demand had exceeded supply. The proposed facility, which requires rezoning, is designed to enhance natural gas availability by injecting methane gas sourced from a landfill in Forsyth County into the local pipeline system.

Commissioners were presented with details of the planned industrial development, which aims to maintain the rural scenic corridor in accordance with the county's comprehensive land use plan. The facility will occupy a 6-acre tract of a 22-acre site, with the remaining land preserved as wooded area. Noise levels from the facility are projected to remain below 65 decibels, consistent with ambient levels in the area.

Clint Cox from Liberty Utilities emphasized the necessity of this project for Hall County's growth and economic development. He explained that the existing infrastructure is becoming inadequate due to increased demand, particularly from industrial customers. Liberty Utilities plans to replace and upgrade transmission lines over the next three years to accommodate future growth, including the addition of 1,200 new homes in the Gainesville area.

Cox also noted that the current intrastate pipeline is fully subscribed, limiting access to additional natural gas supplies. The proposed facility is expected to provide 1.4 billion cubic feet of gas annually, which would significantly bolster the local supply and help stabilize costs for consumers.

Following Cox's presentation, Ryan Albaachon from Arkea Energy discussed logistics related to transporting gas to the facility. He assured commissioners that operations would avoid peak school hours to minimize traffic disruptions and proposed reducing the number of daily truckloads from 20 to 13 for injection activities.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the developers to work collaboratively with the county on traffic management and safety measures. The commissioners expressed their support for the project, recognizing its potential to enhance natural gas supply and support economic growth in Hall County. Further discussions and follow-up actions are anticipated as the project progresses.