Project background

In recent years, Piedmont Natural Gas has experienced increased demand for natural gas in the Indian Trail area in Union County, N.C. The Line 118 Loop project provides the additional capacity needed to address this increased demand and continue providing affordable, reliable natural gas to the area.


Our goal is to minimize the impact on property owners and the environment. We are taking many factors into consideration, including sensitive environmental areas, impacts on rare plant and animal species and landowner concerns and requests. We are discussing the project with local officials and landowners, making sure we listen to the many voices in the community. The project will span approximately 5 miles, initiating near the intersection of Airport Road and Hampton Meadows Road. It will traverse southward and terminate near the intersection of Waxhaw Indian Trail Road South and Will Plyler Road.


Safety is our top priority

Our top priority is the safety of our customers, our communities, and our natural gas system. We design multiple, reliable safety mechanisms into our natural gas infrastructure, we continually monitor system operation, and we maintain a rigorous maintenance schedule to help our system operate at the highest safety standards. Safety features include:


  • Sophisticated, in-line inspection tools to monitor infrastructure
  • Continuously monitoring the pipeline pressure from within a 24/7 staffed natural gas control facility
  • Remote control shut-off valves to support maintenance activities and to shut off the natural gas supply, if needed

Preliminary routing approximation

The map below shows preliminary routing for the project. The final route may differ from the one shown below.


Line 118 looping project map 
  • Piedmont needs to provide additional capacity to address the increased demand and continue providing affordable, reliable natural gas.
  • We are very early on in this project and would like to get feedback from elected officials and others in the community, as we prepare to start initial survey in the area.
  • Adjustments may be made based off those conversations, survey information and landowner feedback.

Key benefits

Upgrading natural gas infrastructure

New natural gas infrastructure will be installed to help improve the system and meet the demand of continued growth in this area.


Serving our customers

This project will help enhance the reliability and strength of our natural gas delivery service for our customers.

Contact Us

If you have questions about the Line 118 Looping Project, please email us.

  • Natural gas utilities, including Piedmont Natural Gas, are subject to rigorous federal and state oversight for safety.
  • The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is the federal regulatory agency responsible for the oversight of pipeline safety in the United States.

Recent growth is driving demand for natural gas

  • Economic growth in the county is requiring more from our current infrastructure:
    • 41K+: Number of Piedmont Natural Gas customers in Union County
    • 239K+: Population of Union County
  • This project is needed to help increase capacity and ensure reliable natural gas service for all customers in Union County.

Easements and your land

  • An easement is an agreement allowing Piedmont Natural Gas to construct infrastructure on a portion of your land, periodically accessible for routine inspections and maintenance.
  • You retain control of your land with certain restrictions designed to protect the safety and integrity of the natural gas facilities on your land, and you may still use it for farming, grazing, recreation, gardening, hunting, etc.
  • Piedmont Natural Gas will negotiate a fair price with you for use of your land.

This project helps ensure Piedmont Natural Gas can continue serving large customers reliably, given recent growth and demand on our system.

  • We work diligently to comply with applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements.
  • We complete extensive studies prior to the beginning of any construction activity.
  • Our design process and construction teams focus on protecting cultural sites, sensitive areas and protected species.
  • We will communicate regularly with landowners and other key stakeholders about the project.

Piedmont in the community

  • We want to be a good neighbor because we live and work here too.
  • We will listen to your feedback and keep you informed about our work.
  • We will treat you with respect and listen to your concerns.
  • We will continue investing in this community.

Piedmont invests in community-focused, charitable and economic development organizations serving Union County.


Construction

Our goal is to minimize construction impacts, so much of our time is dedicated to planning and evaluating each step of the process, from preconstruction through completion. We will:


  • Communicate with property owners to negotiate easements and discuss expectations before, during and after construction.
  • Work closely with local communities to help safeguard pedestrian and traffic safety during construction.
  • Restore our neighborhoods to their preconstruction condition, within acceptable parameters.
  • Notify all property owners about upcoming field survey work via postcard or letter.

Project Announcements

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Piedmont Natural Gas is in the early stages of evaluating a study area to determine potential route options to provide additional infrastructure to meet the growing demand for natural gas in the area. We plan to get feedback from elected officials, landowners and others in the community and conduct land surveys to determine a pipeline route to serve the growing community while minimizing the impact on property owners and the environment.

  • Input from local landowners, interested parties and local leaders are an important part of this process and their feedback will be assessed and a route will be determined in late summer 2022.

  • Depending on the route, the construction schedule should begin in spring 2023.

  • Pipelines typically are installed at a depth of 3 feet or more in accordance with federal, state and local regulations.

  • Once all appropriate approvals and permits are received, pipeline construction will occur in phases. We begin by clearing and grading the land. Then, crews will string, weld and install the pipe, laying it into a trench and then covering it with soil. Before operations begin, the pipe is carefully inspected and tested, as required by U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. The entire construction and installation process will be monitored by inspectors and will proceed as quickly and with as little impact as possible to the environment, landowners and the community.

  • Construction is typically completed by qualified, experienced subcontractors, with oversight by Piedmont Natural Gas.

  • Pipeline inspections occur at least once a year, and the right of way will be maintained in good condition by Piedmont Natural Gas.