20140957 Ver 2_Public Notice Comments_20170812 (10)

Strickland, Bev
From:Richard Nelson <[e-mail]>
Sent:Saturday, August 12, 2017 1:27 PM
To:SVC_DENR.publiccomments
Subject:ACP
I am writing to express my deep concerns about the environmental impacts and lack of need for the proposed Atlantic
Coast Pipeline. I feel that first off, there is no documented need for the ACP since gas fired demand is flat and expected
to decrease dramatically given future energy generation mixes. Methane released from gas at every point from
extraction to delivery to final utilization is 80% more toxic as a green house gas and poses immediate and long term
threats to climate change. Allowing the fossil fuel industry to switch its massive economic investment from coal to gas
extraction and delivery infrastructures commits our energy generation to potentially more destructive practices when
green technologies are ready to more effectively address the nation's energy needs. The development and
implementation of solar, wind, geothermal, tidal and other technologies are the key to good paying jobs and economic
sustainability for US workers.
My other concerns have to do with the widespread environmental devastation sure to occur with the building and
utilization of the proposed ACP. For most of its length, the ACP would be located above the Northern Coastal Plain
Acquifer which is especially vulnerable to contamination. Horizontal directional drilling is proposed to occur under a
variety of wetlands and near residential drinking water wells. We have seen in years past the dire consequences of
fracking in Texas, Oklahoma, and elsewhere from similiar practices. Wetland destruction, deforestation and other
impacts will take decades for recovery if possible at all. Inspection of environmental impacts as proposed, is grossly
inadequate and essentially allows the industry to self police adherence to woefully inadequate protections to public
health and safety.
In summation, it is obviously my hope that 401 Water Quality Certification for this project is denied due to the lack of
demonstrated need as well as the severe environmental impacts which are guaranteed to occur. As so often is the case,
the hardships and direct negative impacts to quality of life issues will be incurred disproportionately to low income
peoples, including African Americans and Native Americans. I believe the health, prosperity, and safety of all of our
citizens should come before the narrow financial gain of corporate interests in pursuit of shareholder profits. The North
Carolina Division of Water Resources should deny approval for the ACP.

Sincerely,
Richard Nelson
1180 Carolina Fox Circle Murphy, NC 28906
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