Proposed 28-mile natural gas pipeline draws pushback from landowners in Chatham County

CHATHAM COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) -- Opposition from neighbors and property owners is growing in a North Carolina county over a proposed 28-mile natural gas line.

Enbridge Gas, North America's largest natural gas utility company, wants to build a new natural gas pipeline in Chatham County, and some are voicing their concerns about the proposal.

According to ABC11's news-gathering partners at The News & Observer, Enbridge Gas is seeking to build a 28-mile natural gas pipeline from Siler City to Moncure. The company says the project is needed to meet growing residential and commercial demand in Chatham and Lee counties, which have experienced customer growth of 2.7% over the past year.

Property owners, many of whom are generational landowners, worry that the pipeline could lower property values and pose risks to local water supplies if a leak were to occur.

Some landowners accuse Enbridge of not being transparent about the restrictions and easements that would accompany the project. They are concerned about how the pipeline could affect their ability to farm, develop or otherwise use their land.

Environmental groups have raised additional concerns about potential impacts on wetlands, streams, trees and endangered aquatic species along the proposed route.

Enbridge says it will continue gathering feedback from all involved as it works to finalize the route.

If the project moves forward without delays, construction could begin as early as fall 2027.

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