Groups Join Alliance In Pipeline Opposition
Published 12:09 pm Tuesday, June 23, 2015
MONTEREY — Several members of the Allegheny-Blue Ridge Alliance recently announced their opposition of all routes under consideration for the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP).
According to a press release from the alliance, Friends of Buckingham, a group opposed to the ACP, and Yogaville Environmental Solutions signed on to the policy, dated June 18.
“Specifically, the construction of a pipeline along these proposed routes would threaten the integrity and safety of the water supplies of the immediately affected communities and many other communities that are dependent upon water originating in the Allegheny-Blue Ridge region,” notes the release, citing safety, erosion, wildlife, forest, cultural, recreational, economic and property concerns.
“Finally, we strongly believe that FERC [Federal Energy Regulatory Commission] must conduct a programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) that assesses the full range of adverse effects of the pipeline and evaluates all reasonable, less damaging alternatives,” states the release.
Friends of Buckingham and Yogaville Environmental Solutions were two of 35 conservation and environmental groups in Virginia and West Virginia that endorsed the policy.
Dominion is leading a joint venture to construct a 550-mile natural gas pipeline through West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina. A 42-inch pipeline would pass through Buckingham, Cumberland and Prince Edward counties, if the project is approved by FERC.