September 17 is the deadline for public input on proposed changes on the conditions under which stream crossings can be accomplished in West Virginia by the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and Mountain Valley Pipeline. Currently, projects like the two pipelines would be required to complete stream crossings within 72 hours, a standard that was adopted to minimize impacts to water quality and aquatic life. The proposed changes would relax that standard.

Details on the revisions proposed by the state’s Department of Environmental Protection and how to submit comments is available in an factsheet from the West Virginia Rivers Coalition (click here).

West Virginia DEP Invites Comments on Stream Crossing Permits

ABRA CONSERVATION HUB

ABRA’s Conservation Hub program promotes responsible resource management by providing access to critical information needed for effective public involvement in environmental review and oversight.

Following the defeat of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline in 2020, ABRA initiated the Conservation Hub to support informed public engagement with the broader range of environmental issues confronting the Allegheny-Blue Ridge Mountain region. The Conservation Hub builds on the analysis and information sharing capacity achieved through ABRA’s Pipeline CSI project during the years of ACP opposition.

The Conservation Hub is based on the use of GIS mapping to provide details and context for land development projects and management practices that involve risk of environmental harm, as well as for environmental preservation and restoration initiatives. The Conservation Hub also provides access to regulatory documents and assessments related to specific projects or issues.

Multiple Conservation Hub sites, focused on individual projects or issues, have been developed collaboratively with ABRA’s partners and allies. Going forward, we invite conservation groups, individuals, and communities to provide ideas for new Hub sites and GIS mapping that can contribute to informed public engagement on behalf of environmental integrity in the Allegheny-Blue Ridge region.