FERC Fails to Protect Organic Farm from MVP's Violations

Strategic Insights -

Maury Johnson, an individual in Monroe County, WV, has been experiencing ongoing issues with the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) since 2015. Despite submitting requests for information and concerns to FERC and MVP on multiple occasions, Johnson continues to face unresolved problems on his organic farm. In a recent letter to FERC, Johnson highlights the lack of response from MVP regarding the substances used on his property and the alleged burial of corroded pipe, which violates construction standards and federal regulations.

The letter, dated June 14, 2025, also expresses Johnson's disappointment with FERC's decision to reclassify his farm as non-organic, despite its certification under the USDA Organic Standards. Johnson has requested information about the substances used in the restoration process, but MVP has only provided some of the requested information, leaving him with unanswered questions.

Furthermore, Johnson's farm still faces issues with invasive plant species, lack of Orchard Grass in the hay field, and the absence of pollinators and trees on the Right-of-Way (ROW) per their agreement. The letter includes pictures taken on June 12, 2025, showcasing the issues with the hay field and invasive thistles.

Johnson has also expressed frustration with FERC's Office of Dispute Resolution, which informed him that the FERC project office has reclassified his farm as non-organic, despite his organic certification. This decision has left him with unresolved issues and unanswered questions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Maury Johnson's organic farm in Monroe County, WV, has been experiencing ongoing issues with the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) since 2015, including alleged burial of corroded pipe and lack of response from MVP regarding the substances used on his property.
  • FERC's Office of Dispute Resolution reclassified Johnson's farm as non-organic, despite its certification under the USDA Organic Standards, which has left him with unresolved issues and unanswered questions.
  • The farm still faces issues with invasive plant species, lack of Orchard Grass in the hay field, and the absence of pollinators and trees on the Right-of-Way (ROW) per their agreement.
  • Johnson has requested information about the substances used in the restoration process, but MVP has only provided some of the requested information, leaving him with unanswered questions.
  • Johnson feels like he is living the story of "David VS Goliath," and while the experience has been exhausting, he continues to take heart in the effort to bring about change.

Statistics:

  • 9 years: The length of time Johnson has been experiencing issues with MVP on his farm.
  • Multiple requests: Johnson has submitted multiple requests for information and concerns to FERC and MVP, but many of these requests remain unanswered.
  • 1 year: The time frame in which Johnson has been waiting for information about the substances used in the restoration process.
  • 30 days: The timeframe Johnson hopes to receive the requested information within, following his next request.

Sources:

  • Letter to FERC, dated June 14, 2025, submitted by Maury Johnson, document accession number 20250616-5048.
  • USDA Organic Standards.
  • Mountain Valley Pipeline's (MVP) Organic Farm Protection Plan.
  • FERC's Office of Dispute Resolution.
  • Bible, story of "David VS Goliath".