The Mountain Valley Pipeline would cross streams and wetlands in about 350 places if the state and federal governments say okay. Some people are doubtful, but at Wild Virginia David Sligh says they’re reluctant to attend meetings in Rocky Mount or at Radford University.
“A lot of people are understandably concerned about going to an in-person hearing, especially if there are significant crowds as there have been for years now."
DEQ’s Director of Wetlands and Stream Protection says, by law, the meeting must be held in person now that the governor’s emergency order has expired, and Dave Davis says opponents are free to share testimony in writing.
“Oral comments and written comments are equally acceptable. Written comments can either be turned in at the public hearings or they can be mailed to DEQ.”
But Sligh says not everyone is comfortable putting their thoughts on paper.
“Not everybody is used to these regulatory systems and how to phrase things, but they can show up and tell their story, and those are important things for the board members to hear.”
A group of citizens wrote to the governor, asking him to intervene and arrange for a meeting where they could participate using their computers or phones. Comments must be shared with the Dept. of Environmental Quality by October 27th. I’m Sandy Hausman.
For more on the Rocky Mount hearing at 6 p.m., September 27
in the Pigg River Community Center go to:
https://commonwealthcalendar.virginia.gov/Event/Details/52941
And at Radford University on September 28 at 6:
https://www.deq.virginia.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/358/17
