20140957 Ver 2_DEQ Comments - DEIS_20170403

Environmental
Quality
Me
From: Sarah Rice, Title Vil and Environmental Justice Coordinator
Date: April 3,2017
Re: Response to Comments Atlantic Coast Pipeline and Supply
Header Project - Draft Environmental Impact Statement -
Environmental Justice
NCDEQ recognizes the portion, 4.9.9 Environmental Justice, of the DEIS that contains the
Environmental Justice Report pertaining to North Carolina.
Minority Communities
It was noted in the DEIS, that in NC, minorities comprise 30.5 percent of the total population
and ranged from 12.5 to 95.5 percent within 1 mile of the proposed ACP. Seventeen percent
of all persons live below the poverty level in NC along the anticipated ACP track. Twenty-seven
of the 42 census tracts within a 1 mile radius of the ACP facilities have a higher percentage of
persons living below poverty when compared to the State. NEPA requires the consideration of
area composition, consideration of data relevant to public health and industry for cumulative
exposure, interrelated cultural, social, occupational historical, or economic factors, public
participation, meaningful community representation, and tribal representation. The NEPA
process also requires translation of crucial public documents, notices, and hearings for limited
English speaking populations. During discussions with Dominion on Friday April 3,2017, is was
clear, their consultant used EPA's EJ SCREEN to screen demographics within a one -mile
radius of the propqsed pipeline. NCDEQ would recommend Dominion to re-evaluate their
report and take into consideration age and the potential for older illiterate citizens among certain
communities.
Tribal Communities
In the section 4.10.4 Tribal Consultation, federally recognized tribes were consulted regarding
their religious or cultural significance to historic properties that could be impacted by ACP and
SHP. The ACP is proposed to go through State Recognized Tribal lands. Lumbee territory in
Robeson County will be the most affected of the State recognized tribes. The Lumbee
community has been identified as a NC Environmental Justice community by the
Environmental Protection Agency. , Dominion created a report plan for unanticipated
discoveries. The Atlantic Coast Pipeline, LLC should include tribal contacts for the Haliwa-
Saponi, Coharie, Lumbee, and Greg Richardson (Executive Director) of the Commission of
Indian Affairs.