Plans for natural gas pipeline expansions in southwest Virginia are advancing, with proposals from two major energy firms aiming to transport gas through the Appalachian regions of Virginia and North Carolina, raising community concerns.
Critics are worried about the proposed pipeline routes and compressor stations, which could disrupt rural lifestyles and landscapes. These proposals are under review as data center applications surge in the region.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and Virginia environmental regulators are assessing requests from Mountain Valley Pipeline LLC and the Williams Companies Inc. for billion-dollar extensions to link existing cross-country networks.
Mountain Valley Pipeline plans a 31-mile extension into North Carolina from its 303-mile network, stretching from the Marcellus and Utica shale. The Southgate Extension has been reviewed since 2020. Additional compressor stations are proposed in West Virginia and Montgomery County, Virginia.
The Williams Companies seeks approval for a 55-mile pipeline expansion to enhance its Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line, boosting capacity for Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, and other states with its Southeast Supply Enhancement Project (SSEP).
A FERC decision on the Mountain Valley Pipeline, operated by EQT Corp., is expected by year-end. The Williams Companies’ proposal will be reviewed by February.
The Williams Companies has also proposed a separate Virginia expansion, aiming to extend from Southern Virginia to serve the power-demanding Virginia market, known as the Power Express.
The Virginia Department of Energy announced a partnership to study new natural gas infrastructure proposals for locations between Roanoke and Bristol, assessing environmental considerations, economic benefits, and more.
These developments coincide with Virginia’s growing data center industry, poised for electricity demand to triple by 2040 due to data center growth.
Community advocates in Virginia and North Carolina express concerns about the rapid pace and scope of these projects and the challenge for towns and residents to assess risks.
Jessica Sims, Virginia field coordinator with Appalachian Voices, critiques the complexity of the pipeline proposals and FERC’s analysis. Data center proposals linked to artificial intelligence are changing rural landscapes.
The Virginia General Assembly’s policy research unit estimates that new gas plants may be needed if all data center proposals proceed.
Natural gas expansion aligns with priorities from the Trump administration, though some community groups oppose the developments due to potential impacts on local lifestyles.
Mountain Valley spokesperson Shawn Day emphasized the reliability benefits of their 303-mile main line, crediting it with preventing gas shortages. The Southgate extension is expected to be similarly beneficial.
The Williams Companies describe the SSEP as a $1.2 billion investment enhancing energy reliability and economic benefits, while also meeting safety and environmental standards.
Southgate in Virginia
Energy firms like Mountain Valley Pipeline and the Williams Companies focus on expanding in North Carolina’s Rockingham County. Mountain Valley initially proposed the Southgate Extension in 2018, approved by FERC in 2020, contingent on main line approvals.
The main line faced legal disputes but started operation in 2024, aided by congressional support from Sen. Joe Manchin.
Concerns persist over impacts on Black residential areas, leading to a revised Southgate proposal in late 2023. FERC’s 2024 assessment reported fewer environmental effects from the revised plan.
Williams Companies’ Plan
The Williams Companies’ SSEP includes two pipeline loops: the 31-mile Eden Loop and the 24.2-mile Salem Loop, linking to its Texas pipeline.
FERC’s 2024 environmental assessment found no significant impact on human environments or wildlife, though cumulative effects on surface water quality may occur due to overlapping construction timelines.
Sims of Appalachian Voices criticized FERC’s analysis, questioning the oversight of potential ecological impacts from the closely routed projects.
Broader Community Concerns
Haworth of The Dan River Basin Association expressed concerns over potential environmental degradation from the pipeline projects, citing historical instances of industrial impact on local waterways.
FERC’s conclusion of no significant impact on quality of life is challenged by local advocates who point to potential effects on drinking water sources and the overall environment.
Advocacy groups like 7 Directions of Service warn of increased noise and stress from compressor stations, fearing that monetary compensation won’t address community impacts.
FERC is expected to decide on Southgate by year-end, with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) assessing water impacts. A public hearing is scheduled, and a decision is expected in December.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality recently approved a permit for Mountain Valley Pipeline’s Southgate Extension, pending FERC approval.
Melanie Davenport, director of DEQ’s cross-media programs, has requested erosion and sediment protection plans to safeguard waterways during construction.
FERC’s decision on SSEP is expected by February, with Virginia DEQ reviewing water quality permits for the project.
Original Story at insideclimatenews.org