CHARLESTON,
W.Va
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. (AP) - The U.S. Forest Service has approved a permit to survey part of the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia for a proposed natural gas pipeline.
The temporary permit for the survey involves 17 miles of forest through Randolph and Pocahontas counties.
The Charleston Gazette reports the yearlong survey will include studies of plants and animals, wetlands, water, soil and cultural resources.
Dominion Resources Inc. and its partners in the 550-mile Atlantic Coast Pipeline are proposing to deliver natural gas from Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia to the Southeast. The pipeline would run from West Virginia to North Carolina, with much of its path through Virginia.
The governors of West Virginia and Virginia support the pipeline. Opponents say the pipeline will hurt the environment and property values.