MVP THUMBS NOSE AT FEDERAL COURT DECISION
FERC Approves 80 Miles of Pipe as “Stabilization” Under Stop Work Order
Preserve Craig Files Suit in DC Court to Revoke MVP License
There is so much info to share this week that we’ll present it in summary form.
First, this VERY DISTURBING CHAIN OF EVENTS:
- Friday, July 27, 2018: The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals vacates (cancels the Jefferson National Forest changes to their Management Plan & the BLM Federal Permit to construct the pipeline across our forest. The Court Order requires a fresh look at alternative routes;
- Saturday and Sunday of July 28 weekend and into that week: MVP moves 100s of forty-foot sections of 42” pipe (made in India by the way) onto the right of way, especially in Craig County and on Sinking Creek Mountain adjoining National Forest. MVP action intentionally violates the intent of the Federal Court Ruling;
- Friday, August 3, 2018: FERC issues a stop work order on all 303 miles of the old route and requires MVP to file a temporary stabilization plan while the Forest Service reviews alternatives, which can take six months;
- Wednesday, August 6, 2018: MVP Files its “Temporary Stabilization Plan” proposing to put all pipe in the ground that is on the right of way – totaling 80 miles of the project:
- August 6 to 8, 2018: Numerous opponents file objections to the plan as not what the court intended;
- August 8, 2018: The FERC Approves MVP’s Plan, which will continue to cause untold damage and likely lock in the now-vacated route through National Forest and other public lands.
Now, for some the BETTER NEWS:
Monday, August 13, 2018: Preserve Craig attorneys filed suit in the DC Circuit Court against the FERC to have MVP’s certificate revoked. Preserve Craig is joined in this effort by all the adjoining community organizations, the POWHR coalition, and the Indian Creek Watershed Association. Our hands had been tied until the FERC rejected our appeal recently.
- Monday, August 13, 2018: The Craig County government asked the State Water Control Board to revoke or suspend MVP’s permits and documented the damage occurring on three special water features in Sinking Creek.
- Tuesday, August 14, 2018: Preserve Craig and others are filing formal objections and taking legal actions to halt further construction because MVP does not have its federal permits and the data that was supplied by MVP has been rejected by Federal Courts.
- THESE MOTIONS AND DECISIONS CAN BE FOUND ON PRESERVE CRAIG’S WEBSITE AT preservecraig.org.
Preserve Craig is working to nullify all permits that MVP obtained from State and Federal Agencies using faulty claims of public benefit. You can write to Governor Northam and object to his support of MVP while serious damage is occurring and “his” State Water Control Board (SWCB) is considering the public comments about water crossing by MVP, at its meeting on August 21, 2018 in Richmond.
Preserve Craig is a participant in the Mountain Valley Watch (MVW), a collaboration of volunteers, nonprofits, and private interests. MVW is documenting construction activity of the Mountain Valley Pipeline to assure compliance with environmental regulations during construction. Call or text to 833-MVWATCH (833-689-2824) with any info on harm MVP is causing.
The MVW is monitoring the Mountain Valley Pipeline for problems during construction: water source contamination, slope failure, soil erosion into waterbodies, stream channel damage, and damage to adjacent properties. Violations of erosion control regulations observed during construction are being documented and reported to responsible agencies for corrective action.
