ROANOKE – The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issues is Final Environmental Impact Statement on the proposed Mountain Valley Pipeline.
The proposed 301-mile pipeline would carry natural gas through West Virginia and Virginia, including parts of Southwest Virginia.
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FERC finds that construction of the pipeline would result in limited adverse environmental impacts, with the exception of impacts on forested land, where significant impacts are possible.
The impacts on forests would be greater because of the amount of time it would take to regenerate in workspaces and the permanent removal of trees.
Many of the impacts would be reduced to less-than-significant levels by following the commission’s mitigation plans.
The pipeline would run within 50 feet of 118 homes.
FERC commissioners, who are presidential appointees, will consider the analysis in making a final decision. The commissioners don't currently have a quorum, though two of President Donald Trump's nominees are pending before the Senate.
The Mountain Valley Pipeline and similar Atlantic Coast Pipeline have drawn opposition from environmental groups and many landowners along the routes. But many political and business leaders say the projects are necessary for economic development.