Housing & Development · Chatham County
Chatham County Commissioners Vote to Oppose Proposed Enbridge Gas Pipeline
The Chatham County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted in September to oppose Enbridge Gas North Carolina's proposed 12-inch natural gas pipeline running from Moncure to Siler City, citing concerns for public health, safety, environmental resources, and private property rights. The pipeline would pass through lower-income communities where per capita income is roughly $25,000, while serving growing demand in wealthier northern Chatham and neighboring Lee County. Under state law, Enbridge could still pursue land easements or eminent domain, though no permit application has yet been filed with the NC Department of Environmental Quality. Hundreds of residents have organized opposition through public meetings and social media, citing risks to drinking-water wells and potential exposure to toxic pollutants.