Watch this space for updated points to make your ow comments!

While we encourage that you submit your own comments for greater impact, click here for an easy online way to submit comments, thanks to Appalachian Voices. 

Info below is an update to this blog: 

DEIS for Atlantic Coast Pipeline Issued; Comment Period Underway 

As noted there, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has released the Atlantic Coast Pipeline Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for public comment. Like the Mountain Valley Pipeline, this DEIS is insufficient and lacks the critical information needed to fully evaluate the impacts of the proposed project. 

Public meetings on the DEIS are scheduled for March 1 in Elkins, WV and March 2 in Marlinton, WV, with a comment deadline of April 6. Details on those meetings, as well as meetings in other states below.

The docket number for the ACP is now: CP15-554-000. Use this docket number in your comments.

Comments may be filed either online with FERC www.ferconline.ferc.gov or by mail to: 

Kimberly Bose, Secretary
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
888 First Street N.E., Room 1A
Washington D.C. 20426. 

FERC is supposed to respond to comments received and revise the DEIS to develop the Final Environmental Impact Statement. 

FERC will then issue an Order approving or denying the project.

West Virginia Rivers Coalition shares with us this info to help you make your comments. Highlights of major impacts of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and the related Supply Header Project (SHP): 

 * Cross 1,989 waterbodies, including 851 perennial, 779 intermittent, 248 ephemeral, 64 canals/ditches, 21 major water bodies, and 47 open water ponds/reservoirs (some waterbodies are crossed more than once). 

* In West Virginia, 73 percent of the mainline route would cross areas susceptible to landslides; almost 12 miles cross slopes greater than 35 percent. 

* In Virginia, approximately 28 percent of the mainline route would cross landslide areas; 12.5 miles cross slopes greater than 35 percent. 

* 71 miles of vulnerable karst terrain would be crossed. 

 * Crosses 15.9 miles of the George Washington National Forest in Virginia, and 5.1 miles of the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. 

* 12,030 acres affected by construction, of which 5,976 acres permanently affected by operation. 

* 786 wetland acres temporarily affected, of which 248 acres would be permanently affected by operation. 

 * Five federally listed species impacted (Indiana bat, Northern long-eared bat, Roanoke logperch, running buffalo clover, and Madison Cave isopod). 

* 76 homes within 100 feet of pipeline. 

* 66 new access roads built during construction.