September 23, 2021
Today 39 groups and 151 individuals sent a letter to Virginia Governor Ralph Northam and Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Director David Paylor to urge the agency to allow for a virtual participation option for the upcoming DEQ hearings before the State Water Control Board on Mountain Valley Pipeline’s Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Protection Permit.
In the letter we ask that Governor Northam and DEQ take whatever steps necessary, including adding a third “virtual” hearing, to make accommodations for remote participation before the closing of the comment period on October 27, 2021 so that impacted community members and advocates for clean water across Virginia will have the opportunity to share their concerns and perspectives in a safe manner.
“In keeping with our state administrative law, both oral and written options to comment should be provided. Some can express themselves most effectively and forcefully by speaking and written comments cannot fill the gap left when that is not possible. Further, summaries of written comments presented to the board do not always convey the full picture of the real concerns that residents along the pipeline route have about water quality, climate impacts and safety.”
Public, in-person only hearings are scheduled for September 27-28. Details here.
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