Transco submits NC air permit applications for Southeast Supply Enhancement Project

RALEIGH, N.C. -This week, Transco applied for two air permitsto 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 would receive a guaranteed financial return from this proposed project if built, while nearby communities exposed to harmful pollution would bear the health impacts and associated costs," said Juhi Modi, North Carolina Field Coordinator at Appalachian Voices."These individuals are already burdened by decades of air pollution from existing Transco infrastructure and deserve to breathe clean air. NCDEQ has the power to defend against Transco's proposal to emit more health-compromising pollution into our communities."

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.