Chatham County System Expansion Project

This project is a proposed natural gas pipeline, approximately 28-miles long and 12 inches in diameter, that would connect existing natural gas infrastructure in Siler City and the Moncure area. It would connect portions of Enbridge Gas North Carolina’s system currently operating within Chatham County. The project is intended to increase system capacity and help deliver natural gas to homes, businesses and communities in the area.

Why the project is needed:

Maintain reliable service for existing customers
Improve regional system reliability and flexibility
Expand capacity to support future residential and community needs

The project is part of long-term planning efforts to support future energy needs in the area.

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Addressing common questions

Question:

Is this pipeline being built to power a data center?

No. The proposed 12-inch pipeline is not intended or capable of supplying a data center. A pipeline serving a data center would need to be at least twice the size of the proposed pipeline, along with major upgrades to existing infrastructure and the broader natural gas system.

Question:

Is there a need for another natural gas pipeline?

Yes. Chatham and Lee counties are experiencing strong population and economic growth. As more homes, businesses and manufacturers connect to the natural gas system, demand continues to rise. The project will add needed capacity to support growth while helping maintain reliable service for existing customers.

Question:

Can pipelines be operated safely in communities?

Yes. Safety is a priority throughout construction and operation of the pipeline. Multiple layers of oversight, monitoring and maintenance help ensure work is completed safely, responsibly and in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Question:

Does farmland matter during pipeline construction?

Yes. We work directly with landowners throughout planning and construction to discuss routing, soil, drainage, access, restoration and easements. Farmland is restored after construction, crop losses are compensated and landowners retain ownership and use of their property.

Project timeline

How are potential pipeline routes developed?

Initial study area
Environmental and cultural resource review
Engineering and land use evaluation
Refined potential route

Initial study area
Environmental and cultural resource review
Engineering and land use evaluation
Refined potential route

Understanding the process

As part of project planning, Enbridge Gas may conduct surveys to gather information about potential routes, environmental features, engineering considerations and existing land uses. Survey activities help inform project planning and route evaluation.

Survey activities

Survey activities may include environmental, engineering, cultural resource or geotechnical studies. They:

Are temporary in nature
Are used to gather information for project planning
Help evaluate potential routes and constraints
Do not provide permanent rights to the property

Easement agreements

When the route is selected, Enbridge Gas will work directly with affected landowners to negotiate easement agreements.

An easement is a legal agreement that allows a pipeline to be constructed, operated and maintained on a defined portion of a property while ownership remains with the landowner. It:

Defines the location and terms of access
Provides compensation to the landowner
Establishes rights and responsibilities
Does not transfer ownership of the property

Landowner engagement

As the project moves forward:

Landowners are contacted directly
Questions can be discussed with the project representatives
Easement terms are negotiated
Compensation is offered when agreements are reached

Most easements are acquired through negotiated agreements with landowners.

Enbridge Gas understands that decisions about property can feel significant and personal. Landowners are encouraged to:

Ask questions
Review information
Understand the project
Discuss easement terms
Make informed decisions

You've asked. We're listening.

Explore the topics below to learn how we’re working on addressing your concerns.

Supporting farms and agricultural operations

Enbridge Gas understands that farms are businesses, homes and often family properties that have been worked for generations. Protecting the long-term productivity of agricultural land is an important part of project planning and construction.

During construction

Construction activities may temporarily affect:

Access to fields and farm operations
Crop production within the construction workspace
Fencing and livestock management
Soil conditions and drainage

These impacts are typically temporary and are addressed through construction planning and restoration.

Measures used to protect agricultural lands

Where agricultural land is affected, construction plans may include:

Coordination with landowners regarding agricultural operations
Topsoil segregation and replacement
Drainage repair and restoration
Erosion and sediment controls
Restoration of access roads and farm crossings

These measures help return land to agricultural use following construction.

After construction

Following restoration:

Agricultural activities can typically resume within the easement area
Crops may continue to be planted and harvested
Landowners retain ownership of their property
Access and drainage systems are restored where applicable

Most agricultural land affected by pipeline construction continues to be farmed after restoration is complete.

Protecting water resources

Water protection is a key part of project planning
Protecting streams, wetlands, groundwater and private wells is a priority throughout project planning, design and construction. Environmental studies, engineering assessments and regulatory reviews help identify sensitive areas and determine the measures needed to protect water resources before construction begins.

How we help protect water resources

Protecting water resources is an important part of planning and constructing the Chatham County System Expansion Project.

Enbridge Gas North Carolina works to avoid water wells where possible. Before construction, the project team conducts water sampling for identified wells near the construction area. Monitoring also takes place following construction.

Should construction be determined to have affected a well, Enbridge Gas North Carolina will repair or replace it.

We understand why landowners are asking questions about their water. Those questions deserve specific answers and responsible action.

Spill prevention and preparedness

We take proactive steps to help prevent construction-related releases by:

Routinely inspecting and maintaining equipment
Implementing spill prevention procedures
Keeping spill response materials on-site
Establishing response protocols before construction begins

While incidents are uncommon, response plans help construction crews respond quickly if needed.

Stream crossings: choosing the right method

Every stream crossing is evaluated individually. The construction method selected depends on environmental conditions, engineering requirements and regulatory approvals.

Learn more about different stream crossing methods

Protecting cultural and historic resources

We've heard from communities about the importance of preserving cultural and historic resources. Our planning process seeks to avoid impacts to identified archaeological and historic sites where feasible, and the project is not expected to impact cemeteries.

Environmental resources

Surveys help identify:

Threatened and endangered species
Wildlife habitats
Existing natural communities
Other ecologically important resources

How these resources are protected

Route adjustments to avoid sensitive areas
Protective buffers around important habitats
Seasonal restrictions on construction activities
Restoration and revegetation of disturbed areas
Coordination with regulatory agencies

Enbridge Gas understands concerns about impacts to wildlife, habitat and other natural resources. Information gathered during surveys helps guide project planning and route refinement.

Cultural and historic resources

Surveys help identify:

Historic properties
Cemeteries
Archaeological resources
Places that are important to local communities

How these resources are protected

Map and document resources
Consult with regulatory agencies and specialists
Adjust routes where feasible
Avoid sensitive locations whenever practicable

Enbridge Gas understands that archaeological resources (prehistoric and historic), historic sites, cemeteries and community landmarks are deeply important to residents and future generations.

Oversight throughout the project lifecycle

Community members have asked important questions about oversight, accountability and enforcement. Throughout planning, permitting, construction and operation, the project is subject to regulatory review, environmental studies, monitoring and reporting designed to help protect people, property and the environment. Agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, North Carolina Utilities Commission and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality review key aspects of the project, including environmental resources, water quality, cultural resources, construction activities and public safety.

Before construction

Before construction can begin, project planning and permitting may include:

Environmental studies and surveys
Agency review and coordination
Permit applications and approvals
Public input opportunities
Permit conditions and requirements

Construction cannot begin until required permits and approvals have been obtained.

During construction

Inspection and monitoring help ensure compliance with permit conditions and project commitments. Oversight activities may include:

Site inspections
Environmental monitoring
Compliance reviews
Documentation and reporting requirements

Ongoing accountability

Regulatory oversight continues through construction and operation of the pipeline. If issues are identified, agencies may require:

Incident reporting
Corrective actions
Modifications to work activities
Enforcement actions where appropriate

Projects are responsible for meeting applicable permit conditions and regulatory requirements.

Protecting communities through safe operations

Safety is a priority throughout construction and operation of the pipeline. Multiple layers of oversight, monitoring and maintenance help ensure work is completed safely, responsibly and in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Oversight and accountability

Construction activities are monitored by project teams, inspectors and regulatory agencies. Oversight may include:

Construction inspections
Environmental monitoring
Documentation and reporting
Compliance reviews

If issues are identified, corrective action may be required before work continues.

Operational safety

Aerial patrols: Regular aerial inspections of pipeline corridors.

Leak surveys: Routine leak detection and response activities.

Inspections and testing: Ongoing maintenance and integrity assessments.

24/7 Control Center monitoring: Continuous oversight of pipeline operations.

Ground patrols: Regular field inspections of pipeline facilities.

Local Operations and Maintenance teams: Local employees live and work in the communities they serve and are responsible for operating and maintaining the pipeline system.

Agriculture

Supporting farms and agricultural operations

During construction

Construction activities may temporarily affect:

Access to fields and farm operations
Crop production within the construction workspace
Fencing and livestock management
Soil conditions and drainage

These impacts are typically temporary and are addressed through construction planning and restoration.

Measures used to protect agricultural lands

Where agricultural land is affected, construction plans may include:

Coordination with landowners regarding agricultural operations
Topsoil segregation and replacement
Drainage repair and restoration
Erosion and sediment controls
Restoration of access roads and farm crossings

These measures help return land to agricultural use following construction.

After construction

Following restoration:

Agricultural activities can typically resume within the easement area
Crops may continue to be planted and harvested
Landowners retain ownership of their property
Access and drainage systems are restored where applicable

Most agricultural land affected by pipeline construction continues to be farmed after restoration is complete.

Water resources

Protecting water resources

How we help protect water resources

Protecting water resources is an important part of planning and constructing the Chatham County System Expansion Project.

Should construction be determined to have affected a well, Enbridge Gas North Carolina will repair or replace it.

We understand why landowners are asking questions about their water. Those questions deserve specific answers and responsible action.

Spill prevention and preparedness

We take proactive steps to help prevent construction-related releases by:

Routinely inspecting and maintaining equipment
Implementing spill prevention procedures
Keeping spill response materials on-site
Establishing response protocols before construction begins

While incidents are uncommon, response plans help construction crews respond quickly if needed.

Stream crossings: choosing the right method

Every stream crossing is evaluated individually. The construction method selected depends on environmental conditions, engineering requirements and regulatory approvals.

Learn more about different stream crossing methods

Environmental, cultural and community resources

Protecting cultural and historic resources

Environmental resources

Surveys help identify:

Threatened and endangered species
Wildlife habitats
Existing natural communities
Other ecologically important resources

How these resources are protected

Route adjustments to avoid sensitive areas
Protective buffers around important habitats
Seasonal restrictions on construction activities
Restoration and revegetation of disturbed areas
Coordination with regulatory agencies

Enbridge Gas understands concerns about impacts to wildlife, habitat and other natural resources. Information gathered during surveys helps guide project planning and route refinement.

Cultural and historic resources

Surveys help identify:

Historic properties
Cemeteries
Archaeological resources
Places that are important to local communities

How these resources are protected

Map and document resources
Consult with regulatory agencies and specialists
Adjust routes where feasible
Avoid sensitive locations whenever practicable

Enbridge Gas understands that archaeological resources (prehistoric and historic), historic sites, cemeteries and community landmarks are deeply important to residents and future generations.

Regulatory process

Oversight throughout the project lifecycle

Before construction

Before construction can begin, project planning and permitting may include:

Environmental studies and surveys
Agency review and coordination
Permit applications and approvals
Public input opportunities
Permit conditions and requirements

Construction cannot begin until required permits and approvals have been obtained.

During construction

Inspection and monitoring help ensure compliance with permit conditions and project commitments. Oversight activities may include:

Site inspections
Environmental monitoring
Compliance reviews
Documentation and reporting requirements

Ongoing accountability

Regulatory oversight continues through construction and operation of the pipeline. If issues are identified, agencies may require:

Incident reporting
Corrective actions
Modifications to work activities
Enforcement actions where appropriate

Projects are responsible for meeting applicable permit conditions and regulatory requirements.

Pipeline safety

Protecting communities through safe operations

Oversight and accountability

Construction activities are monitored by project teams, inspectors and regulatory agencies. Oversight may include:

Construction inspections
Environmental monitoring
Documentation and reporting
Compliance reviews

If issues are identified, corrective action may be required before work continues.

Operational safety

Aerial patrols: Regular aerial inspections of pipeline corridors.

Leak surveys: Routine leak detection and response activities.

Inspections and testing: Ongoing maintenance and integrity assessments.

24/7 Control Center monitoring: Continuous oversight of pipeline operations.

Ground patrols: Regular field inspections of pipeline facilities.

Local Operations and Maintenance teams: Local employees live and work in the communities they serve and are responsible for operating and maintaining the pipeline system.

Your input matters

Your feedback helps us understand what’s important to you and your community.

If you are a landowner and have received a survey notification letter, please continue to contact Enbridge Gas' land agent team directly with your questions. If not, please use the contact form below.

For more information:

Who we are
Pipeline Safety
Frequently asked questions - English
Preguntas Frecuentes - En español 
(Si los propietarios de terrenos han recibido una carta de notificación de levantamiento topográfico, deben seguir comunicándose con el equipo de agentes de tierras de Enbridge Gas para hacer sus preguntas, en lugar de utilizar el formulario de contacto. Si tiene preguntas generales sobre el proyecto, puede llamar al 919‑819‑1325.)
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