Andy Li, andy.li@sierraclub.org
RALEIGH, N.C. – This week, Transco applied for two air permits to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) for its massive proposed methane gas pipeline, the Southeast Supply Enhancement Project (SSEP).
If permitted and built, SSEP would install 55 miles of 42-inch high pressure pipeline through North Carolina and Virginia, impact nearly 1,500 acres of land, make more than 100 individual waterbody crossings in 16 watersheds, and dramatically expand two compressor stations in Iredell and Davidson Counties, North Carolina, where communities are already suffering some of the worst air pollution in the state.
The application process for SSEP’s air permits will include a public comment period, and could include public hearings.
“This proposed massive methane gas project would add more pollution and health risks to North Carolina communities already struggling with poor air quality, compared to the rest of the state,” said Caroline Hansley, Campaign Organizing Strategist at Sierra Club. “Transco expects it can pollute communities, and ignore concerns from residents and elected officials, while raking in corporate profits. NCDEQ must exercise its authority to protect North Carolinians and deny the permit for this unneeded, dirty and dangerous project.”
"Transco stands to receive a guaranteed profit from this proposed compressor station, while nearby communities would bear the health impacts and associated costs", said Juhi Modi, North Carolina Field Coordinator at Appalachian Voices. "This project should not be allowed to add more harmful pollution on top of the decades of air pollution emitted from existing Transco infrastructure. These communities deserve to breathe clean air, and NCDEQ has the power to defend them."
“Air pollution is already high in several communities where Transco proposes to build its Southeast Supply Enhancement Project. Their aim to expand 2 dirty gas-fired compressor stations will only compound the harmful emissions,” said Dr. Crystal Cavalier-Keck, Director of 7 Directions of Service. “Our regulators must do all in their power to carry out a robust evaluation of the potential impacts, including safer alternatives, and protect North Carolinians from corporate polluters at all costs.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.