Iredell to Rowan County System Enhancement Project

Enbridge Gas has proposed a new pipeline as it works to enhance its system to account for growth in the area. The pipeline will bring more capacity to meet rising natural gas needs for homes and businesses. Additionally, a legacy pipeline will be taken out of service once the new pipeline is installed.

From construction through operations, safety is a core value. Enbridge Gas North Carolina maintains construction and operating policies and procedures that adhere to state and federal safety requirements. These requirements provide specific direction for inspection, testing, operation, preventive maintenance, repair and vigilant patrols of facilities. Local Enbridge Gas employees will operate and maintain the pipeline once it is in service.

Enbridge Gas is committed to being a good steward of the environment and following all permit specifications. The new pipeline will parallel the existing pipeline right of way, which will help reduce potential environmental impacts.

Land agents communicate with the utility of landowner concerns and make sure feedback is included in route review considerations. These discussions can lead to accommodations and changes.

Landowners will be assigned a land agent who will explain the survey and, if applicable, the land acquisition process, and serve as a primary point of contact to ensure clear, consistent communication throughout.

Survey crews may walk the property, place temporary markers and study environmental features. This work takes a few days and is designed to minimize disruption while helping identify the best route.

Enbridge Gas North Carolina’s right-of-way agents work closely with landowners and the project team to ensure that activities, such as route selection, construction and restoration minimize impacts on properties and the environment. This includes important right-of-way easement work, including notification, negotiation and acquisition. Enbridge Gas’ land team is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with landowners near our pipeline facilities.

The purpose of civil, environmental and cultural resource surveys is to identify existing utilities, consider topographical features to determine constructability, and evaluate sensitive natural and cultural features so Enbridge Gas North Carolina can avoid or minimize impacts where possible.

Enbridge Gas North Carolina generally seeks permission for survey activities; allowing access does not mean you’ve agreed to a pipeline or easement. However, after 30-days' notice, under North Carolina law, utilities and licensed surveyors can enter for survey activities. Enbridge Gas is committed to being respectful, minimally disruptive and communicative during the entire process.

The permanent right-of-way we typically need is about 50 feet wide, with an additional temporary workspace of around 30 feet during construction. That said, those widths can vary depending on the terrain and specific construction needs along the route.

Pipelines are buried, and most land uses can continue. A permanent right‑of‑way remains, with restrictions on buildings and large trees. Landowners are compensated for easements and impacts.

Yes, you can generally continue farming on a pipeline right-of-way and in many cases, agricultural use continues much as it did before. Our approach is to work directly with landowners to understand how their land is used and minimize disruption wherever possible, especially for active farms.

Restrictions are typically limited to deep-rooted trees, structures and excavation so that we have the ability to safely access and maintain the pipeline.