North Carolina DEQ Approves Water, Air Permits for SSEP - CleanTechnica

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) has approved the water and air permits for Transco’s Southeast Supply Enhancement Project (SSEP), a 55-mile pipeline expansion running through Virginia and North Carolina. The project includes pipeline construction and compressor station expansions, crossing over 150 streams and wetlands, including the Jordan Lake and Randleman Lake watersheds, which supply drinking water to over one million residents. Despite significant public opposition, including resolutions from five impacted municipalities and over 750 public comments urging denial, NCDEQ granted the permits in December. Environmental groups such as the Sierra Club, Appalachian Voices, 7 Directions of Service, and Clean Water for North Carolina have strongly criticized the decision. They argue that the project threatens water quality, air quality, and aquatic habitats, while prioritizing corporate profits over community health and environmental protection. Critics also highlight the use of polluting gas-powered compressor stations and destructive construction methods. These organizations vow to continue opposing the pipeline, emphasizing the need to