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From: elise@greenbrier.org

Sent: 12/17/2014 5:49:18 P.M. Eastern Standard Time
Subj: URGENT: Forest Service Seeking Comments

 

December 17, 2014 The Forest Service is seeking comments on whether to allow surveys on a 12.6 mile segment of the George Washington National Forest for the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline in Highland and Augusta counties in Virginia.  The Forest Service will use public comments and an environmental review to decide whether to issue a permit for surveys on the forest.   Comments are being accepted through Friday, January 9, 2015. Comments may be submitted by: Email: comments-southern-georgewashington-jefferson@fs.fed.us FAX: 540-265-5145 Mail or Hand Deliver: USDA Forest Service Atlantic Coast Pipeline Survey Comments 5162 Valleypointe Parkway Roanoke, VA 24019 We are trying to focus our comments on a few main points: We are asking the Forest Service to make sure Dominion collects the kinds of data necessary to make a decision about the construction of the proposed pipeline.  Now is the time to collect the data needed to document environmental conditions.  Data collected should allow the Forest Service to do a comparative analysis of all three proposed pipelines that would impact the national forests in Virginia and West Virginia.  Data should also reflect a correct and detailed assessment of the impact on habitat, wildlife and plants. The potential for slope failure should also be considered since certain soils and rocks are susceptible to failure - and because Dominion has a track record of slope failure and stream sedimentation at other pipelines projects.  Dominion should also conduct an assessment of both water quality and quantity for all springs, wells, and streams within and adjacent to the forest and decide how water resources will be monitored if construction is approved.  For more information please contact  elise@greenbrier.org 304-647-4792

Greenbrier River Watershed Association | 120 W. Washington St. Suite #4 | Lewisburg | WV | 24901