By Nicole Eastman, Yadkin Riverkeeper
Community members and environmental organizations are advocating for the protection of the Yadkin River and public health from Duke Energy’s two proposed methane gas power plants and a first-of-its-kind liquid natural gas (LNG) storage facility. The site of Duke’s proposed industrial complex is located on the Perkins Game Land in Davie County and across the river in Davidson County a few miles downstream of the Yadkin River State Trail (YRST) HWY 64 river access.
This stretch of river has been identified by YRK in the past as one of our top priority conservation areas because of its environmental importance as forested and agricultural land and a natural buffer for the river. It is also the site of the historic Cooleemee Plantation, fish weirs in the river, and some of Daniel Boone’s favorite fishing spots and homesites. During the Long Paddle, almost 20 people floated this stretch of river and admired the bald eagles and great blue herons flying overhead. It truly feels like a wild haven in a developing piedmont. This stretch of river is a recreational and economic asset as part of the YRST and Daniel Boone Heritage Canoe Trail.
On August 13, YRK supported a community meeting organized by Clean Water for North Carolina and Appalachian Voices in Lexington to share information about the proposed development and hear from community members impacted by the proposal. Residents of Davie and Davidson County are deeply concerned about the impacts methane gas infrastructure will have on the air, the river, and the communities surrounding the site. They are committed to fighting the methane gas infrastructure buildout.
Community members have organized protests at Duke Energy’s open houses this week to share more information with the general public and to distribute a petition stating their opposition to the project. The next steps for Duke Energy will be to receive a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the NC Utilities Commission and to have the rezoning for these properties from rural to industrial use approved for the Davidson and Davie County Boards of Commissioners.
YRK will continue to advocate for Duke to be more transparent with their plans and support community members fighting this harmful development as part of a larger campaign, “Save the Daves.” To learn more about our collaborative effort to stop Duke Energy from forever altering the natural and historic character of the Yadkin River, visit this website or reach out to Nicole at nicole@yadkinriverkeeper.org.