Forsyth County Residents Urge Denial of Transco Pipeline Project Over Safety Concerns

During the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners meeting on August 28, 2025, community concerns regarding the Transco Southeast Supply Enhancement Project took center stage. Residents voiced their apprehensions about the potential risks associated with the pipeline's construction, particularly its proximity to an existing pipeline and the implications of radiation in the gas lines.

Anne Heller, a local resident, highlighted two major issues. First, she expressed concern about the dangers of constructing a new pipeline next to an old one, likening it to "putting new wine into old wineskins." Heller referenced a recent pipeline rupture in Virginia and cited a study indicating that pipeline accidents occur approximately every 40 hours. Her second concern focused on the radiation levels in the gas lines, stemming from fracking wastewater, which she noted has not been adequately monitored due to restrictions on workers wearing radiation badges.

Heller urged the Board to support a resolution that would call on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality to deny permits for the project until these safety concerns are addressed.

The meeting also included other public comments, although details on additional topics were not provided in the transcript. The discussions reflect a growing unease among residents regarding environmental safety and the potential impact of energy projects on their community.

As the Board considers these concerns, the implications for local residents remain significant, with many looking for assurances that their health and safety will be prioritized in any future decisions regarding the pipeline project. The meeting underscored the importance of community engagement in local governance and the need for transparency in environmental matters.