The anti-pipeline organization, Friends of Nelson, will hold a public workshop Saturday, April 13, at Spruce Creek Camp, Nellysford in Nelson County on Hwy 151, across from Bold Rock Cider, to update interested citizens on the current status of the fight against the Atlantic Coast Pipeline. The workshop, which will cover specific legal, environmental and other issues, will be on property at the base of Wintergreen Mountain owned by Jill and Richard Averitt where the pipeline is proposed to cross.

Speakers and topics will include, Richard Averitt – Eminent Domain and how ‘Quick Take’ violates due process and should be ruled unconstitutional; William Limpert – How outside, long term storage of gas pipes deteriorates the coatings and increases the risk of failure; Lakshmi Fjord – The proposed Compressor Station in Buckingham County and the plight of the Union Hill Community; Attorney Rick Cornelius – The Legal Case against the Pipeline and where it stands today; Jennifer Lewis – Why Augusta County’s water supply is at risk due to its Karst topography and the pipeline route’s proximity to the Staunton Reservoir; and Tom Hadwin – Why there is no public necessity for the ACP, particularly in the Hampton Roads area.

The workshop, which will run from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., will include guided tours of the proposed pipeline route, exercises on how to protest safely, and a group discussion on the path forward for those opposed to the pipeline. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunches and a camp chair. There is no charge for the workshop but donations are welcome. Box lunches are available for a fee with an advance order upon registering at friendsofnelson.com.

According to a statement by Friends of Nelson, “The workshop will allow folks who don’t know much about this pipeline to listen to experts, learn about what is at stake, and leave knowing what they can do to help stop this pipeline.”

“Through citizen opposition and strong legal challenges, the Atlantic Coast Pipeline in Virginia has been stopped dead in its tracks. Schedules have been thrown out the window and costs have risen dramatically. Credit agencies have taken notice and investors are starting to get nervous. Despite this success, now is not the time to let our guard down as there are many actions to take and battles yet to fight. In order to continue this effort we need to inform and organize ourselves.”

Nelson County is home to many tourist destinations such as the Appalachian Trail, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Wintergreen Ski Resort, the Rockfish Valley Natural History Center, the Nelson County Farmers Market, and the new Brew Ridge Trail made up of wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries.

According to the Friends of Nelson statement, “All these local attractions will be severely affected should this pipeline be constructed as well as endangering our water supplies, and putting us at risk for steep slope catastrophes. We urge you to come spend the day with us and experience all there is to love about Nelson County and its people.”