Protect the ACE Basin from Pipelines & Power Plants

Protect the ACE Basin from Pipelines & Power Plants 

The Canadys gas-fired power plant and accompanying Elba Bridge Pipeline are likely to impact the Edisto River and the ACE Basin wetlands. The Coastal Conservation League opposes the proposed 2,180-megawatt gas plant and pipeline in Canadys, citing concerns with air quality, wetland impacts, and financial risks.   

The procedural window has officially opened for Santee Cooper and Dominion Energy to jointly construct, own, and operate the gas plant at the former Canadys coal plant site along the Edisto River.  In December 2025, Santee Cooper and Dominion initiated the permitting process for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Convenience and Necessity for the construction and operation of the Edisto power plant. At more than 4x the size of the original 490-megawatt coal facility and twice the originally quoted price (now at $5 billion) the gas plant requires major transmission upgrades, including the expansion of existing interstate pipelines and the construction of new intrastate pipelines- the Elba Bridge Pipeline – to transport gas.   

After living near a coal plant for 50+ years, the health of Colleton County residents is endangered again.  

“Natural gas” is a fossil fuel primarily composed of methane. Burning gas in a power plant releases greenhouse gas emissions (methane and carbon dioxide) and air pollutants. Methane also leaks from pipelines and contributes to air pollution. ​​Gas power plants and compressor stations expose neighboring communities to hazardous air pollutants, and exposure elevates risk of respiratory problems.  

Utility executives have described the gas pipeline as an “anchor” intended to increase natural gas supply for the region. Expanded pipeline capacity would attract new industrial development and erode rural character in Canadys and throughout the ACE Basin.   

The plant and pipeline would likely impact the Edisto River and wetlands in the ACE Basin.  

Combined-cycle gas plants have gas and steam turbines. Steam spins the turbine to generate electricity, then is cooled down to convert into water. This “cooling down” (or condensing) process requires a cooling system. Cooling systems, such as once-through and closed-cycle, can be water intensive. Utilities could withdraw and/or discharge millions of gallons of water into the Edisto, which would require permits.  

 Kinder Morgan has disclosed the gas pipeline route the Elba Bridge Express Pipeline, which cuts across the ACE Basin, ending at the Edisto River. Low-lying areas are susceptible to heavy rainfall and flooding. The Edisto River has seen historic flooding levels, a trend expected to worsen with climate change. A gas plant could add flooding risks by degrading wetlands, which store excess water and prevent flooding.  

New infrastructure would drive energy bills even higher, adding onto recent rate increases.  

Methane gas prices are volatile. Utilities shift the risk of fuel price volatility onto their customers, who are stuck footing the bill.  

This project, estimated by Santee Cooper to cost up to $ 5 billion for construction alone – doubling the original $2.5 billion projection, involves upfront investment in pipelines and natural gas infrastructure. Whether or not new power generation facilities are completed and operational, the costs are paid by customers through higher energy bills. The debacle of the abandoned V.C. Summer nuclear plant illustrates this financial risk, with ratepayers ultimately paying the price.  

What can you do?  

#1: Spread the word  

Many of our neighbors do not know about the proposed gas plant and pipeline. Every resident deserves transparent information about the significant environmental and financial risks this proposal will bring to our backyards. Please share this webpage with your family, friends, and community members so they can understand what is at stake. Also, sign up at tinyurl.com/CanadysEnergy to stay informed about upcoming community events and engagement opportunities.  

#2: Advocate for your community 

Santee Cooper and Dominion Energy have received state legislative approval to jointly fund, build, and own this gas-fired power plant and its infrastructure. Because Santee Cooper is a public entity, they needed this approval to work with a private, investor-owned utility. Even with that approval, several permits and certificates are still required for both the plant and the pipeline. The permitting process typically includes opportunities for public comment and/or public hearings – these are your chance to share your opinions and concerns:  

• Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN): The Public Service Commission justifies if a majority facility (75 MW or greater) is of public convenience and necessity, as required by the Utility Facility Siting and Environmental Protection Act (“Siting Act”)  

• Surface Water Withdrawal Permit: The SC Department of Environmental Services (SC DES) manages use of surface water to ensure fair resource allocation and prevent water shortages. Dominion Energy currently holds this permit for the Canadys coal site, valid through 2043, authorizing withdrawal up to 1,273 million gallons per month (MGM) of surface water from the Edisto River.  

• National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES): SC DES protects water quality by limiting and monitoring pollutants in effluents, reviewing operating conditions, and sharing best management practices for wastewater.  

• Water Quality Certification Permit (Clean Water Act Section 401): SC DES protects water quality from activity that may result in any discharge into waters.  

• Coastal Zone Consistency Certification: SC DES balances development and preservation of coastal resources, including wetlands, cultural resources, threatened and endangered species, and shellfish beds.  

• • • • Clean Water Act Section 404 Permit: Army Corps of Engineers regulates discharge of dredge or fill materials into waters, including wetlands.