The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has created a new webpage that describes how the agency is proceeding in its evaluation of the water quality certification applications for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and the Mountain Valley Pipeline under Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act.

The opening paragraphs, under the heading “Water Protection for Pipelines,” state:

Due to the size and scope of proposed natural gas pipeline projects in Virginia, DEQ is developing additional requirements to ensure that Virginia water quality standards are maintained in all areas affected by the construction of these pipelines.

DEQ will require Mountain Valley Pipeline and Atlantic Coast Pipeline to provide details and site plans to assess whether construction activities in adjacent areas will adversely affect water quality during construction and to ensure that water quality is maintained into the future. This additional certification goes well beyond other regulatory requirements and will protect water quality across the range of pipeline activities, not just temporary construction impacts to streams and wetlands.

Details at:  http://www.deq.virginia.gov/Programs/Water/ProtectionRequirementsforPipelines.aspx.

Virginia DEQ Sets Forth 401 Review Criteria for ACP and MVP
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