Opposition to Atlantic Coast Pipeline Project

The U.S. Department of Energy's Federal Energy Regulatory Commission received a filing expressing concerns in opposition to the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline project, a joint venture between Dominion Resources, Duke Energy, Piedmont Natural Gas, and AGL Resources to construct and operate 554 miles of natural gas transmission pipeline. The project's proponents claim it will create jobs, attract new businesses, and lower energy costs, but the opponents argue that the benefits do not apply to the 42-inch pipeline, which is intended for interstate gas movement and export to countries like China. The opponents, Frank and Julie Trunk, raise concerns about safety, environmental damage, water pollution, and economic harm to farmers and local communities.

Key Takeaways:

• The Atlantic Coast Pipeline project is a proposed 554-mile natural gas transmission pipeline that would connect West Virginia to North Carolina.
• The project is a joint venture between Dominion Resources, Duke Energy, Piedmont Natural Gas, and AGL Resources.
• The pipeline's proponents claim it will create jobs and lower energy costs, but the opponents argue that these benefits do not apply to the 42-inch pipeline intended for export.
• The opponents raise concerns about safety, including pipeline leaks, contamination of well water, and explosions during and after construction.
• The project would facilitate water fracking in states like West Virginia and could lead to pollution of water sources, including wells, aquifers, and watersheds.
• The project could cause irreparable damage to natural ecosystems, including habitats for plants and animals.
• The opponents also raise concerns about long-term and irreparable economic damage to farmers and local communities.

Statistics:

• 554 miles: The proposed length of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline.
• 42 inches: The diameter of the pipeline intended for export.
• 5 concerns: Raising by the opponents about the project, including safety, environmental damage, water pollution, and economic harm.
• 2008: The year the Trunks established timber crops on their land in Augusta County, Virginia.
• 0.8 miles: The length of the lumber road on the Trunks' land that would be traversed by the pipeline.
• West Virginia: A state that would be impacted by the project's support for water fracking.
• China: A country to which the pipeline's gas would be exported.
• Augusta County, Virginia: The location of the Trunks' land, which would be dissected by the pipeline.

Sources:

• The U.S. Department of Energy's Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
• The Atlantic Coast Pipeline LLC (ACP)
• Dominion Resources
• Duke Energy
• Piedmont Natural Gas
• AGL Resources
• Frank and Julie Trunk's filing with FERC (no specific date mentioned)