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

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,…