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Natural gas pipeline under the American Tobacco Trail
Kenneth Withrow, CAMPO Staff
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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. This will be a large, disruptive project, spanning nearly half of the property width. It will impact thousands of trail users and the adjacent property owners, plus some considerable tree canopy. 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.
Mr. Jason Orthner, Director of NCDOT's Rail Division, will attend the ...
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