Chatham County faces industrial rezoning and pipeline opposition

Chatham County, North Carolina, is facing significant land-use and infrastructure challenges. The Board of Commissioners is considering a major rezoning request from EC PROPCO LLC to convert nearly 300 acres in Cape Fear Township from residential to heavy industrial zoning.

In a separate matter, more than 350 residents attended a public hearing to express unified opposition to a proposed 28-mile natural gas pipeline by Enbridge Gas North Carolina. Local stakeholders, including farmers and environmental advocates, raised concerns regarding eminent domain, water contamination, and the impact on agricultural land. While the community is calling for local intervention, county officials noted that much of the authority over the pipeline project lies with state and federal entities rather than the county government.