North Carolina Approves Clean Water Act Certification for Proposed T-15 Reliability Project

Strategic Insights -

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Water Resources (DWR) has approved the Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality certification for the proposed T-15 Reliability Project, a natural gas infrastructure project proposed by Public Services Company of North Carolina (PSNC), operating as Enbridge Gas North Carolina. The decision followed a comprehensive review process, including public hearings and comments. This certification is crucial as it assesses whether the project meets state water quality requirements, including potential impacts on surface waters and wetlands.

Key Takeaways:

  • The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Water Resources (DWR) approved the Clean Water Act Section 401 water quality certification for the proposed T-15 Reliability Project.
  • The certification was issued after a comprehensive review process that included public hearings on June 12 and June 24, 2023, as well as comments by mail and email.
  • The proposed project, submitted by Public Services Company of North Carolina (PSNC), doing business in North Carolina as Enbridge Gas North Carolina, will undergo further review to assess potential environmental impacts.
  • The project involves infrastructure enhancements to the existing T-15 pipeline system, aiming to address natural gas delivery reliability issues in the state.
  • The certification addresses state water quality requirements, ensuring that the project minimizes impacts on surface waters, wetlands, and other environmental considerations.

Statistics:

  • The T-15 Reliability Project is a significant infrastructure development aimed at enhancing natural gas delivery reliability in North Carolina.
  • The project involves revisions to the existing T-15 pipeline system, totaling approximately 30 kilometers in length.
  • The proposed project will be subject to further review and evaluation to ensure compliance with state and federal environmental regulations.
  • The certification process involves assessing potential impacts on environmental resources, including surface waters, wetlands, and threatened or endangered species habitats.
  • Public engagement was a critical aspect of the certification process, with two public hearings and opportunities for written comments.

Sources:

  • North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
  • North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Water Resources (DWR)