The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality will hear comments at locations around the state this month, on proposed water protection standards for 2 natural gas pipelines slated for Virginia. Pipeline opponents are looking to the DEQ as their last hope to have their concerns about the projects heard.
The DEQ will hear comments on how the proposed Mountain Valley and Atlantic Coast pipelines would affect water quality in the state. Pipeline opponents say, it’s not clear if their concerns are being taken into consideration by public officials who will make the final decisions. They say the comment process has been confusing and opaque.
After complaints from lawmakers and in the New River Valley, DEQ Director David Paylor agreed to add 2 additional informal meetings where it’s expected that citizens will be allowed to ask questions.
Rick Shingles is with, Preserve Giles, a southwest Virginia county through which the mountain valley pipeline would run. “We want to see if we can get him to clarify what this procedure is, how it’s going to work and why we should have faith in it,” Shingles said The group has collected studies by several scientists about, what he says, are dire threats to the state’s water both during and after pipeline construction, that could have impact far beyond its route.
“That’s why we’re trying to get people out for something that they would probably never consider going to, a hearing on water quality. It’s our last best hope," Shingles admits. "And if people ever wanted to do anything to stop this pipeline or at least get it done properly, or determine whether it can be done properly, this is it.”
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, public comment period for both the Mountain Valley and the Atlantic Coast pipelines is set for August 22nd.
- August 7, 2017, from 6 to 10 p.m. James Madison University, Festival Conference and Student Center, Grand Ballroom, 1301 Carrier Drive, Harrisonburg, VA 22807. Parking is in Lots C11, C12, and D3.
- August 10, 2017, from 6 to 10 p.m. Longwood University, Jarman Auditorium, 201 High St., Farmville, VA 23901. Parking is in Wheeler Lot, Crafts Lot, High Street Lot, Randolph Lot or other university-owned lots.
- August 14, 2017, from 6 to 10 p.m. Southside Virginia Community College, Center for Workforce Development, Christanna Campus, 109 Campus Drive, Alberta, VA 23821.
The public hearing schedule for the Mountain Valley Pipeline is:
- August 8, 2017, from 6 to 10 p.m. Radford University, Preston/Bondurant Auditorium, 801 East Main St., Radford, VA 24142. Parking is only in Lot A, or Lots E and U.
- August 9, 2017, from 6 to 10 p.m. Chatham High School Auditorium, 100 Cavalier Circle, Chatham, VA 24531. Parking is only in designated areas on school property.
