A crowd of over 150 persons attended a September 11 hearing in Buckingham, VA conducted by the Virginia State Air Control Board (SACB) to receive comments on the proposed compressor station for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP). The facility, which would be the only compressor station currently proposed for the ACP in Virginia, has been under widespread criticism because of the egregious impact it would have on the Union Hill community that is proximate to the proposed site and the nearby Yogaville Ashram and retreat center. Of the 85 persons presenting comments at the hearing, more than 80% were in opposition to the project. Most of those speaking in favor of the ACP project were from outside the affected community.
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| Among those presenting comments at the Air Board hearing were Swami Dayananda (left) of Yogaville and Pastor Paul Wilson (right) of the Union Hill and Union Grove Churches. |
The public hearing was part of a comment period on the proposed air emissions permit for the project that has recently been extended to September 21. Those concerned about the compressor station’s impact on air quality in Virginia are urged to submit written comments to the Department of Environmental Quality. Details on how to submit comments and a link to the draft air permit are available here.
The SACB is expected to vote on the compressor station air permit at its November 8-9 meeting.