Person County commissioners vote to approve 600-acre Dominion natural gas facility despite community's protest

A room full of people shamed commissioners in Person County at a meeting Monday night – because they voted to pave the way for a liquid natural gas facility on 485 acres.

Dominion Energy presented its plans for the project, but community members weren't happy about it.

The room was filled with people who expressed their disapproval of the project. The community argued that the facility has the potential to harm the land, water and air.

One woman also mentioned she was sent a letter informing her that her Rougemont home was 500 feet from the proposed development.

"My world came crashing down," she said. "I was terrified. All of my water comes from my well. What will happen if because of this center my well doesn't have enough water, or if it becomes contaminated?"

Another woman said the community needs to take a stand.

"We as the citizens of Person County need to stand up for ourselves," another woman said at the meeting. "We need to stop accepting bids like this that no one else wants because we think that's all we can get."

Dominion Energy said construction on the facility could start early next year, with the facility expected to be in service late 2026.

About 16 years ago, Lois Brown built her dream home in rural Person County. She's learned of Dominion Energy's plans to build the Moriah Energy Center less than 500 feet from her property line.

"Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to live in the woods," she said. "And, I finally got here, but it took me almost 70 years.

"And now, something comes along that destroys it for me. Why?"

Brown was among the hundreds of people packing the Person County Board of Commissioner's meeting Monday.

A total of 36 people spoke against rezoning the rural area for heavy industrial use - but commissioners voted unanimously to approve it giving the go-ahead for Dominion Energy to build a liquified natural gas storage facility.

"They don't care," Brown said. "That's very obvious."

Dominion Energy says the actual facility, off of Helena Moriah Road, will be be built on 70 acres. The remaining 415 acres will be a buffer. It will have capacity for two separate 25 million gallon storage tanks, but plans to build just one for now.

Residents question the impact on the environment, including water, and what it will do to property values.

However, Dominion Energy said the facility will be closely monitored and cites a similar facility in the Triangle.

"We have another facility like this in Cary near downtown, 50 years of safe, reliable service at that plant," said Dominion Energy spokesperson Persida Montanez.

Many residents are questioning the transparency of the deal.

"Why is this being rushed through so quickly with no discussion publicly by our county commissioners?" said Person County resident HollyAnn Nye Rogers.

Brown received a letter from Dominion in August. However, other residents, like Andrea Childers, didn't hear about it until October. Childers' property is next to the Moriah Energy Center site. She said there was very little communication from Person County commissioners.

"I believe [Monday] night was the first time it's been on the agenda," Childers said.

WRAL News reached out to all five Person County commissioners, but did not hear back.

Some residents said they would move, but that's not an option for everyone.

"I'll stick it out because what are my options?" Browns aid. "Now that the property values have tanked as of [Monday] night and where will I go? This is home."

Neighbors are trying to figure out their next move. Some have mentioned legal action.