Work on Mountain Valley Pipeline can resume
RICHMOND, Va. โ Mountain Valley Pipeline has another two years to finish a natural gas pipeline. The Roanoke Times reports that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission also lifted a stop-work order for all but a 25-mile segment of the interstate transmission line that includes the Jefferson National Forest and adjacent land. While acknowledging problems with erosion and sedimentation during the first two years of construction, FERC found that allowing the pipeline to be completed is best for both the environment and the public. In a 2-1 decision, the commission wrote that the presence of equipment, personnel, and partially completed construction is disruptive to landowners. However, new legal challenges could limit the scope of work.
Crews battling Jefferson National Forest fire aided by cool, cloudy weather
BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. - A forest fire burning next to the James River in Bedford County is still smoking, but United States Forest Service crews are now having an easier time containing it. The nearly five-acre fire in the Jefferson National Forest, which the U.S. Forest Service has dubbed the "Cliff Fire," intensified Friday morning and has been active ever since. "This has been a challenging fire due to the steepness of the terrain and the fact that it's located in the wilderness," said U.S. Forest Service firefighter Adam Christie. However, Christie says, the crews have used the empty trails as fire lines to stop the fire from spreading further. There's no estimate for when the fire will be extinguished, but the Forest Service says no buildings or land outside of the forest are endangered by the blaze.
Brush fire in Jefferson National Forest now at 20 acres
AMHERST COUNTY, Va. - Crews are battling a blaze in the Jefferson National Forest. The fire was first reported Friday at 10:30 a.m. and is now about 20 acres. The fire is located south of U.S. 501 and the James River within the James River Face Wilderness on the Jefferson National Forest. About 20 firefighters from the U.S. Forest Service are currently working on the fire, along with one heavy helicopter. The fire has caused the following closures:A 10-mile section of the Appalachian Trail (Trail #1) from US-501 at the James River Foot Bridge south to Petites Gap Road (Road #35)The James River Foot Bridge parking areaMatts Creek Trail (Old A.T., no current trail number)Copyright 2019 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.