Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality confirmed last week that past approaches to reviewing utility projects would not suffice for analyzing the potential environmental impacts of two 42-inch diameter natural gas pipelines that could burrow through the state.
DEQ spokesman Bill Hayden said the department’s review of the pipeline projects will yield a thorough and public review “designed to ensure that Virginia’s water quality is protected.”
“Ever since the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and the Mountain Valley Pipeline were announced, DEQ has been hearing from Virginia citizens concerned about the possible impact of the projects,” he said in an email. “Due to the size and scope of these projects, DEQ … has determined that some of the tools it typically uses will be effective for these pipeline projects but that additional measures and opportunities for public review and input are necessary.”
DEQ came under fire last month from pipeline project watchdogs after the department reported it had miscommunicated in April when advising it would look “at each wetland, stream crossing, etc., [by the pipeline] separately to determine specific requirements that would be necessary.” In May, DEQ clarified that it will rely on the Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permit 12 permitting process to examine stream and wetlands crossings. The department said it would focus instead on potential threats to water quality from other aspects and circumstances of pipeline construction for DEQ’s 401 water quality certification process.
The Roanoke Times – Duncan Adams – 06/17/2017
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