The Inter-Mountain photo by Beth Henry-Vance Carla Picard, communications/outreach coordinator for Dominion Energy, speaks Wednesday to members of the Lewis and Upshur County Local Emergency Planning Committee, outlining construction plans for the proposed project.

The Inter-Mountain photo by Beth Henry-Vance
Carla Picard, communications/outreach coordinator for Dominion Energy, speaks Wednesday to members of the Lewis and Upshur County Local Emergency Planning Committee, outlining construction plans for the proposed project.

WESTON — Members of the Lewis and Upshur County Local Emergency Planning Committee heard Wednesday about construction plans for a proposed natural gas pipeline that would span more than 600 miles if it receives federal approval.

The proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline is scheduled to be built and operated by Dominion Energy, in partnership with Duke Energy, Piedmont Natural Gas and Southern Company Gas.

A 90-day public comment period on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Draft Environmental Impact Statement on the ACP project concluded in April, and the commission is expected to finalize its report by July.

Site preparations could begin as early as this fall, and there would be a two-year construction phase for the project if it ultimately receives federal approval.

Robert Orndorff, Dominion’s state policy director of West Virginia, spoke to local leaders Wednesday and said the meeting’s purpose was to share information about the project.

“This is about what you can expect during the construction phase of the project,” Orndorff said during the meeting, which took place in the Lewis County Emergency Squad building in Weston. “We want to have a very positive working relationship with everyone in this room.”

He noted company representatives are reaching out to LEPCs all along the proposed route in coming weeks to share information about the project. A meeting was scheduled in Marlinton Wednesday evening with the Pocahontas County LEPC, he said, and a meeting will be scheduled soon with the Randolph County LEPC.

The meeting in Weston featured a slide presentation by Carla Picard, communications/outreach coordinator for Dominion Energy, as well as other company representatives who outlined pipeline information, safety plans, security, operations, etc.

Picard noted natural gas pipelines must meet strict regulations, and the ACP will be built using best-in-class procedures.

“I just wanted to highlight that pipelines are heavily regulated at the federal, state and local level,” she said, adding the company’s priorities include safety and “being responsible stewards of the environment.”

Specific safety and communication plans will be prepared for each construction site along the route, so every worker will know who to contact and how to proceed in case of an emergency, whether someone has a medical problem such as a broken ankle or in case of other types of emergencies, company representatives said.

Local law enforcement officers and planning officials will be made aware of any potential problems as they arise, such as traffic problems, as well as mock disaster drills and training exercises.

Construction would take place in separate sections, with one “spread” involving anywhere from 25 to 100 miles, depending on the terrain, and from 700 to 800 workers.

As proposed, the Atlantic Coast Pipeline route will begin in Harrison County and travel southeast about 100 miles before crossing into Virginia. One mile will be located in southwestern Harrison County and about 20 miles will be located in northwest Lewis County.

The pipeline route will include about 23 miles in Upshur County, running south of Buckhannon and Tallmansville; about 30 miles in southwestern Randolph County; and about 25 miles in Pocahontas County near Slatyfork and Dunmore. The pipeline will be 42 inches running underground.

Some concerned citizens and environmental groups opposed to the pipeline have raised concerns about the possible impacts to drinking water, public safety, wildlife, landowner rights, construction impact in rural areas and other topics.

There were some tense moments during Wednesday’s meeting as a few concerned citizens asked questions about blast zones, shutoff valves and evacuation requirements.

April Keating of the Mountain Lakes Preservation Alliance asked Dominion representatives why the local State Police weren’t notified that a State Police barracks is located 1,200 feet from a blast zone for the proposed pipeline. Representatives said they had notified the local County Commission; the blast zone is technically 1,100 feet; and the State Police were welcome to attend Wednesday’s meeting.

As Keating was attempting to ask more questions, someone said loudly, “Why don’t you be still and let them proceed with this?”

After the pipeline presentation concluded, the regular portion of the LEPC meeting continued.

The Lewis and Upshur County LEPC’s stated mission is “to enhance the protection of the community and the environment from the hazardous incidents through planning, preparation and communication between citizens, businesses and government.” Members include representatives from a range of fields, including emergency response, law enforcement, hospitals, elected officials, local businesses, media and private citizens.

The Lewis and Upshur County LEPC meets at noon on the third Wednesday of each month at the Lewis County Emergency Squad building in Weston. More information on the LEPC is available by calling 304-472-4983.

More information on the proposed pipeline project is available online at www.dom.com/ACpipeline or by calling 844-215-1819.