Protect the ACE Basin from Pipelines & Power Plants

The Coastal Conservation League opposes the proposed 2,000-megawatt gas plant and pipeline in Canadys, citing concerns with air quality, wetland impacts, and financial risks.  

Santee Cooper and Dominion Energy would jointly construct, own, and operate the gas plant at the former Canadys coal plant site along the Edisto River. At more than 4x the original 490-megawatt coal facility, the gas plant would require major transmission upgrades, including the expansion of existing interstate pipelines and the construction of new intrastate pipelines 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. 

Combustion-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. Dominion and Santee Cooper have not disclosed which cooling system they intend to use. 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. 

Dominion and Santee Cooper have not disclosed the gas pipeline route, but the gas plant would be in a low-lying area bordering the Edisto. 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. 

The utilities have not provided their stormwater management plan or strategies, which should outline the collection and treatment of runoff to avoid polluting water resources. Polluted stormwater runoff could contaminate waterways with sediment and chemicals, which has adverse effects on wildlife and humans. 

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 $2.5 billion for construction alone, 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. 

• Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) Permit: SC DES prevents a new or modified source of air pollution from significantly worsening air quality in areas with clean air (based on the National Ambient Air Quality Standards). 

#3: Engage with decision-makers

Reach out to your state representatives, senators, and local council members. Let them know you oppose the proposed gas plant and pipeline and explain your concerns about the environmental and financial risks this project carries. Phone calls, emails, and letters are all effective ways to share your stance. Find your state legislators and members in U.S. Congress. 

If you are a Santee Cooper or Dominion Energy customer, tell them directly that you want more transparency and detailed information regarding the plant design, proposed pipeline route, and project costs. A Community Advisory Committee could facilitate better communication and elevate community input. 

Submitting “Letters to the Editor” or opinion pieces to local newspapers is another way to share your thoughts with a broader audience. 

• The State: Letter to the Editor or Commentary 

• Post & Courier: Letter to the Editor  

• Walterboro Live: Letter to the Editor