The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality is reviewing “401 water quality certifications” for both the Mountain Valley and Atlantic Coast pipelines. Citizens can both speak at a hearing and send in written comments.   The purpose of the hearings is to obtain input from the public related to the draft Section 401 Certification conditions for activities in upland areas that are located near state waters and that may indirectly affect state waters along the route of the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline project. 

“These hearings and the comment period are very important to helping DEQ meet its goal of protecting water quality,” DEQ director David Paylor said in their June 30, 2017 press release. “The pipeline construction is a complicated process, and we look forward to receiving valuable public input as these projects proceed.”

Hearing will be at James Madison University Festival and Conference Center, 1301 Carrier Drive, Harrisonburg VA. Parking in lots C11, C12, and D3, directly across Carrier Drive to the east of Festival Conference & Student Center.