Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP) Seeks 401 Certification in WV

Subject: Announcement on ACP 401 certification application

Friends,

An urgent matter, pipeline-related, the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP) has filed a “State Water Certification Application” to the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) as required by Section 401 of the nation’s Clean Water Act. The ACP will try to show that their construction will not impair water quality and quantity nor the wildlife, recreation, and potable water that depends upon high quality water. Many of us fear that the pipeline construction will significantly impair water quality.

The announcement has been in the Pocahontas Times newspaper Legal Advertisements for the past several weeks. Public comment period ends May 8, 2017 (postmarked). Comments may be made to WV Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Water and Waste Management, 401 Certification Program, 601 57th Street SE, Charleston, West Virginia 25304.

Several groups and persons, including Eight Rivers Council, are making efforts to request a local public hearing in Pocahontas County. WVDEP is not required to hold public meetings, but can do so at their option. You may make a request for a public hearing but should do so by this Friday April 28, via email at dep.comments@wv.gov

For your inspiration, in May 2016 the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation refused a 401 certification for the proposed Constitution Pipeline, which effectively ended its construction. Would West Virginia’s DEP do the same? Let them know how precious our water is and how the threat of pipeline construction sedimentation and karst disturbance could sabotage our water.

April Pierson-Keating
Mountain Lakes Preservation Alliance
www.mountainlakespreservation.org

Tagged as: 401 certificate, ACP, sedimentation, stream disturbances, water pollution