Residents voice health and environmental concerns as Colleton council weighs letter of support for proposed natural-gas plant

Public comments at the Aug. 12 Colleton County Council meeting focused on a proposed natural-gas power plant and associated pipeline route, with residents raising environmental and safety concerns while other speakers urged the county to move forward and support the project.

Why it matters: County staff said regional utilities and project partners are preparing filings with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Council-level support or opposition may be considered by project proponents as they seek regulatory approvals; residents who live near the proposed site said they fear local impacts, while proponents argued the plant is necessary infrastructure for economic growth and reliable power.

Frank Santaralla, identified in public comment as a retired project engineer, told the council that a cogeneration plant like the one proposed is “the second most efficient type of power generation that exists in our technology today” and said Colleton County needs the infrastructure and power to grow. He described a planned low-pressure gas pipeline route that he said crosses property controlled by utility interests and characterized the pipeline’s long-term right-of-way as "a 100 foot wide swath." (Frank Santaralla, resident and retired project engineer.)

County staff told the council that regional partners Dominion Energy and Santee Cooper have requested that the county send a letter of support as the companies prepare filings with FERC. A staff member told the council: “Our regional partners at both Dominion and Santee Cooper have reached out, asking us to, you know, basically write a letter of support as they work through FERC,” and noted that the council had previously passed a resolution supporting the project on an earlier occasion.

Other speakers warned of environmental risk in and near the ACE Basin and urged the council to scrutinize pipeline routing and emissions monitoring. A council member who spoke in favor of the project said the plant could generate jobs and tax revenue that benefit Colleton County and cautioned residents to “make sure you’re getting the facts” before drawing conclusions.

Council discussion did not record a formal vote on a resolution at the Aug. 12 meeting. Staff said that, unless there is an objection from the council, staff will move forward with the requested letter of support to assist the utilities’ next regulatory step.

Ending: Staff said they will coordinate further with the county’s legislative delegation and with Santee Cooper and Dominion on timing; council members indicated they expect more information in follow-up briefings and at meetings between the utilities and local stakeholders.