Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Releases Final Environmental Impact Statement for Mountain Valley Pipeline Right-of-Way
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WASHINGTON – The Bureau of Land Management Eastern States (BLM-ES) announced today, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) release of its Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This FEIS analyzes potential impacts associated with the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) Right-of-Way. As proposed, the MVP is a 303.5-mile, 42-inch, buried, natural gas pipeline construction project that would cross public lands in Virginia and West Virginia. The project, if approved, is an example of the Trump Administration’s commitment to putting America back to work through the development of the nation’s energy infrastructure.
“As part of its multiple use mission, the BLM is proud to facilitate the responsible development of energy-related projects on public lands,” said BLM Eastern States Director Karen Mouritsen. “If approved, the Mountain Valley Pipeline project will help fuel America’s economy and help support good-paying energy sector jobs.”
The applicant held a total of 16 Open Houses to share information about this project, followed by six public meetings sponsored by FERC for the purpose of taking public comments. The release of the FEIS begins a 30-day comment period during which the BLM may accept comments on the NEPA document. The FEIS is available on FERC’s website: www.ferc.gov. (Select in the following order: Documents & Filings, e-Library, General Search, Input Docket Number CP16-10). A link to the FEIS can also be found in the BLM e-Planning Comment Web Page (provided below). You may use any of the following methods to submit comments: Visit the project’s e-Planning Comment Web Page at http://bit.ly/2qByLlw; or mail to: Vicki Craft, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Southeastern States District, 273 Market Street, Flowood, MS 39232.
The FERC is the lead agency for preparing the FEIS, with the BLM, U.S. Forest Service (USFS), and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) as cooperating agencies. BLM staff worked closely with FERC and the USFS, providing data and other information to ensure that the FEIS meets the necessary requirements under the NEPA. Additionally, the FEIS must meet standards established by the Council on Environmental Quality, before the BLM may accept its findings as basis for authorizing the ROW application.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.