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An Environmental Challenge Brings Neighbors Together
Dominion Energy works to restore Hominy Creek in Western North Carolina with their community
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Dominion Energy employees went to the Franklin School of Innovation in Enka, North Carolina, to talk to over 100 students and staff in science and environmental classes about the company's work to address erosion along the banks of Hominy Creek near the school and a critical natural gas pipeline.
After Dominion Energy's presentation, students went to the creek to learn how to be safe around the upcoming construction activity near their school, observe creature sampling in the creek and a drone flyover demonstration, and received pollinator kits for planting.
Mike Lewis, Regional Engineer, Josh Przywara, Senior Environmental Compliance Coordinator, Bob Lepsic, Environmental Specialist and Elena Peterman and Brad Ingramin Video Communications— along with Lian Morgan Project Manager with S&ME—spoke to students about their respective roles for the upcoming project.
“Our team discussed the causes of erosion, ways to control it, the construction process and safety, "said Mike. “The students and staff were given the opportunity to ask questions and interact with industry professionals, which they enjoyed.”
Following the historic rain fall of Tropical Storm Fred, Heath Brown, Pipeline Project Inspector III, was concerned about the trend of erosion that was impacting the vicinity of Dominion Energy's right of way and could expose a pipeline. He assembled his Dominion Energy colleagues to address the issue and initiated collaboration with other community partners.
It was through Dominion Energy's ongoing work to maintain its right of way and its plan to put in place permanent stabilization measures, that Heath and Mike, learned that an environmental nonprofit, Mountain True, intended to stabilize other parts of the creek as well.
Mike and Heath connected Mountain True and their design team with S&ME, the lead designer on Dominion Energy's project to create conformity in restoration work along the creek. Mountain True later applied for and received a Dominion Energy Environmental Education and Stewardship grant for restoration work as well. Erosion is also impacting an organic produce farmer, who will benefit from Dominion Energy's streambank restoration.
"We agreed this was a unique opportunity to address an environmental problem by working together. We are now looking forward to construction starting later this year and the restoration of a portion of Hominy Creek," said Mike.
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