In places across West Virginia, pipe used to build the Mountain Valley Pipeline has sat in the open sun for more than six years. That sun exposure degrades the coating on the pipe meant to move fracked gas 303 miles across our mountains and streams to Virginia and then North Carolina.
We're not the only ones concerned about this 42-inch-diameter pipe and its degraded integrity. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued a safety order and consent agreement with developers.
We know that West Virginia's steep slopes and highly erodible soil, combined with MVP's failing pipes, is a recipe for disaster. West Virginians have said it for years: If gas flows through these pipes, our neighbors in close proximity are at risk of exposure explosions.
West Virginians are no stranger to pipeline explosions, with one occurring in Kanawha County in 2012 and another in Marshall County in 2018.
MVP is seeking FERC's permission by May 23 to place the pipeline “in service” before completing the necessary requirements of the consent agreement with PHMSA. West Virginia Rivers Coalition is preparing to submit the letter below addressed to FERC Officials on Docket (CP16-10).
We want to reach 1,000 community signers before we submit our letter. Will you add your voice below before we submit our comment at 3 PM on Wednesday, May 6?
Our Letter
Dear FERC Officials,
I am deeply concerned about the potential risks associated with prematurely placing the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) into service. The use of aged pipe, exposed to the elements for years, raises serious questions about the integrity of the pipeline and the safety of nearby communities.
MVP's request for in-service permission before fulfilling all safety requirements outlined in Sections 16 and 19(A) of the Consent Agreement with PHMSA is unacceptable. A significant percentage of required measures remain for Spreads G, H, and I, and PHMSA still lists the 2023 Equitrans safety order case (12023053NOPSO) as open.
It is imperative that all necessary testing and safety measures are completed before allowing the pipeline to operate.
I urge FERC to prioritize public safety and environmental protection by denying MVP's request for in-service permission. The potential consequences of allowing MVP to operate without meeting all safety requirements are too severe to ignore.
For clean water and healthy communities,
West Virginia Rivers Coalition and Members
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