Title
American Tobacco Trail Natural Gas Pipeline - Update
Chief Deputy Secretary David Howard and NCDOT Staff
Body
In 2018 NCDOT notified various stakeholders along the American Tobacco Trail that the proposed 7.6 -mile, 12-inch gas line project by PSNC Energy will address the goal of supporting the growing demand in Chatham, Durham, and Wake counties. Following the stakeholder meeting on August 16, 2018, a “Next Steps” process did not progress; and cooperative engagement remained dormant until May 2020.
As of May 19, 2020, information was presented that that the NC Board of Transportation approved this pipeline on May 7th, with a $3.0 million payment from Dominion/PSNC to NCDOT. There was no recorded public engagement on this process.
Several concerns have been raised by concerned residents, elected officials, and staff regarding the construction of the pipeline. Those include:
• Lack of communication with local officials, particularly as to why the pipeline is being considered
• Due to this being completely in the NCDOT ROW, minimal local permitting requirements (and therefore influence on the project)
• Access to the trail during construction
• Safety concerns during construction and once the pipeline is installed
• Appearance of the trail and its surroundings (tree canopy in particular) during construction and once the pipeline is installed
• How this project may affect existing agreements between communities and NCDOT regarding maintenance responsibilities
NCDOT staff was asked to consider if there are benefits that could come to the trail using the acquired funds should this project go forward, such as needed safety installments at road crossings. NCDOT staff indicated that they will ponder that decision.
On June 1 NCDOT learned that Dominion Energy rescinded the request to utilize NCDOT right of way along the ATT for a pipeline. At this time Dominion has not provided the NCDOT Rail Division any additional information about the proposed alternatives. NCDOT Deputy Secretary David Howard will be available to the Executive Board to address any questions, and NCDOT staff will be available to provide an update concerning the pipeline.
Requested Action: Action Receive as information.