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Davidson County adopts resolution urging FERC and NCDEQ to require fuller review of Transco's SSEP
Summary
The county adopted a resolution asking the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality to require a comprehensive NEPA environmental impact statement, seek alternatives including electrification of Compressor Station 155, and delay permits until local concerns are addressed.
Davidson County's Board of Commissioners on Dec. 8 adopted a resolution asking the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) to more fully evaluate the Southeast Supply Enhancement Project (SSEP) proposed by The Williams Company/Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Corporation (Transco).
The resolution, read into the record by Commissioner Veil and attached to the consent agenda, urges federal and state regulators to "fully consider the health, safety, environmental, economic and quality of life concerns" raised by residents; to require a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental impact statement rather than a narrower environmental assessment; to ensure meaningful consultation with impacted communities; to require emergency-notification plans; and to deny permits until those steps are satisfied.
Speakers from local and regional environmental groups told commissioners the expansion could endanger drinking-water sources and local air quality. "The proposed pipeline will cross tributaries to Lexington's drinking-water reservoir and could increase sedimentation and other water-quality risks," said Nicole Eastman of Yadkin Riverkeeper, who urged the board to request an EIS and to ask Transco to consider electrifying Compressor Station 155.
Crystal Norford asked the county to ask regulators to require Transco to provide "a detailed description of electrification alternatives" and to consider a no-action alternative. John Calhoun of the Sierra Club said the proposed expansion and addition of gas-fired turbines could significantly raise fine particulate matter and other pollutants for nearby residents.
Commissioners adopted the resolution by voice vote when it was added to the consent agenda. The adopted text describes about 28 miles of new pipeline adjacent to existing Transco lines and the addition of three new gas-fired turbines and emergency generators at an existing Lexington pumping station; the resolution states local concerns include potential risks near neighborhoods and schools, and it specifically notes a pipeline alignment approximately 1,000 feet northwest of Wahlberg Elementary School as a local safety concern.
The resolution does not itself change county permitting authority over the project; it asks state and federal agencies to take the listed steps before issuing permits. Several speakers asked the county to follow up with the governor and other municipalities as regulators continue review. Aden Lorets of Haw River Assembly noted NCDEQ decisions were expected on or about Dec. 19 and urged regional coordination.
The board's action was procedural (a resolution expressing concern and urging action by state and federal regulators). The county did not record a roll-call vote in the meeting minutes; the resolution was adopted by voice vote as part of the consent agenda. Next steps are regulatory: FERC and NCDEQ retain statutory authority to determine permitting and NEPA requirements.
