Opponents of Atlantic Coast push for alternative route

Dominion Resources has identified four potential alternate routes in Virginia for the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline.

Dominion Resources spokesman Jim Norvelle tells media outlets that one alternate route would cross about 10 fewer bodies of water in Augusta and Nelson counties than the current proposed route.

Dominion Resources is partnering with other utilities to build the US$5 billion pipeline, which would cross the Blue Ridge Mountains to deliver gas from Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia to the Southeast.

Opponents are concerned that the 42 in. Atlantic Coast Pipeline would carve up private property and scenic vistas and threaten water supplies.

One alternate would avoid areas in Nelson County hit hard by Hurricane Camille in 1969.

Another alternate east of Lovingston in Nelson County would avoid the Norwood-Wingina Historic District.

Another alternate would connect the southern route across the Blue Ridge to either the current proposed route or the proposed alternate east of Lovingston.

The 550 mile natural gas pipeline would run through West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina.

Norville says Dominion hasn’t decided which route will be submitted to federal regulators for approval.

Edited from various sources by Elizabeth Corner

Sources: Roanoke, FuelFix

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/project-news/16032015/opponents-of-atlantic-coast-push-for-alternative-route/