In a Dec. 4, 2015 letter to Dominion, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) put the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline on hold until Dominion submits a viable alternative to minimize impacts on the George Washington and Monongahela National Forests. FERC specifically asked for a more southern alternative route that avoids Shenandoah Mountain.
Excerpt from FERC's letter:
"You should be aware that through our consultations with the U.S. Forest Service and our interpretation of the prescriptive-specific goals, objectives, standards, and guidelines listed in the respective Monongahela and George Washington National Forests’ Land and Resource Management Plans, we have determined that alternative routes to the south of the currently proposed ACP route may offer environmental advantages over the currently proposed route. To ensure that a complete and thorough evaluation of the ACP is presented in the draft environmental impact statement (EIS), we request that Atlantic identify and assess an alternative pipeline route across the National Forests. The information requested in the enclosure is necessary for us to evaluate the SHP, ACP, and an alternative pipeline route across the National Forests and to continue preparation of the draft EIS for the project. Please note that we will not be able to establish a schedule for completing the EIS until we have received your response(s) and reviewed it for completeness."
Excerpt from FERC's letter:
"You should be aware that through our consultations with the U.S. Forest Service and our interpretation of the prescriptive-specific goals, objectives, standards, and guidelines listed in the respective Monongahela and George Washington National Forests’ Land and Resource Management Plans, we have determined that alternative routes to the south of the currently proposed ACP route may offer environmental advantages over the currently proposed route. To ensure that a complete and thorough evaluation of the ACP is presented in the draft environmental impact statement (EIS), we request that Atlantic identify and assess an alternative pipeline route across the National Forests. The information requested in the enclosure is necessary for us to evaluate the SHP, ACP, and an alternative pipeline route across the National Forests and to continue preparation of the draft EIS for the project. Please note that we will not be able to establish a schedule for completing the EIS until we have received your response(s) and reviewed it for completeness."
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