Representatives from Transco – a subsidiary of Williams Companies – came before the Guilford County Board of Commissioners on Thursday, May 15, to explain a proposed natural gas pipeline expansion that would cut through the Oak Ridge area.

The discussion focused on safety measures, public input opportunities, and environmental considerations surrounding the controversial project.

Opponents of the project want the Board of Commissioners to approve a resolution in opposition to the pipeline passing through Oak Ridge.  The county commissioners don’t have the authority to halt the project; however, those fighting the pipeline believe a resolution could help stop it.

Last month, the Board of Commissioners heard from pipeline opponents who live in Oak Ridge; however, Transco representatives weren’t able to make that meeting so the commissioners gave the company a chance to make their case at the May 15 work session.

The proposed “Southeast Supply Enhancement Project” includes what Transco calls the “Eden loop” – a 28-mile pipeline that will largely follow existing infrastructure corridors. Some of that would run through northwest Guilford County. From Oak Ridge, the pipeline would continue through Forsyth and Davidson counties – eventually connecting with compressor station upgrades in Davidson, Iredell and Cleveland counties.

At the work session, Transco officials emphasized the project’s safety, touting decades of successful pipeline operations in populated areas and arguing the company has a history of safely operating near schools, ballfields and churches.  They also argued that underground transportation is the safest way to move natural gas.

Still, commissioners raised concerns about inspection frequency, emergency response times, and the project’s proximity to schools, homes and water sources.

Guilford County commissioners learned that aerial inspections are conducted frequently, while internal pipeline inspections using special devices are also conducted as is mandated by federal pipeline safety regulations.

On-the-ground patrols are also regularly carried out – with Williams staff checking for unauthorized activity or signs of potential problems.

Some opponents have been concerned about the lack of a formal public warning system in the event of a rupture or explosion; however, project representatives at the meeting said that emergency officials would be quickly notified and could direct evacuations if necessary.

The project is expected to create nearly 100 jobs, with about 40 percent of those to be filled by local or regional workers.

Environmental concerns are one issue opponents have brought up – especially the pipeline’s potential effect on groundwater and local reservoirs. Transco representatives noted that the company is working with state agencies, including the Department of Environmental Quality and the Wildlife Resources Commission, to obtain the necessary permits.

The project is currently under review by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which has the authority to approve or deny the project.

A draft environmental assessment is expected later this year, with a final decision from FERC anticipated in early 2026.

 If approved, construction could begin in the spring of 2026, with completion and operation expected by late 2027.

After the May 15 afternoon work session, the commissioners held their regular meeting that evening and pipeline opponents expressed their opposition to the project during the speakers from the floor segment of that meeting.

About