Interstate natural gas pipeline; Virginia Water Protection Permit, etc., regulations. (HB1141)
Introduced By
Del. Sam Rasoul (D-Roanoke) with support from co-patrons Del. Chris Hurst (D-Blacksburg), and Del. Kaye Kory (D-Falls Church)
Progress
✓ |
Introduced |
✗ |
Passed Committee |
☐ |
Passed House |
☐ |
Passed Senate |
☐ |
Signed by Governor |
☐ |
Became Law |
Description
Interstate natural gas pipeline; Virginia Water Protection Permit; regulations. Directs the State Water Control Board (the Board), regarding interstate natural gas pipeline projects, to (i) require both a Virginia Water Protection Permit and an Individual Water Quality Certification under § 401 of the federal Clean Water Act; (ii) review water body crossings, construction through karst terrain, and plans for control of erosion, sediment, and stormwater; (iii) prohibit any land-disturbing activity, including tree felling, prior to the issuance of a Water Quality Certification; and (iv) require horizontal directional drilling for certain crossings of large water bodies. The bill also provides that the Board shall not voluntarily waive its authority to require an Individual Water Quality Certification under § 401 of the Clean Water Act and directs the Board to expedite the adoption of regulations to carry out its provisions. Read the Bill »
Outcome
History
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 01/10/2018 | Committee |
| 01/10/2018 | Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/10/18 18104113D |
| 01/10/2018 | Referred to Committee on Rules |
| 02/01/2018 | Referred from Rules |
| 02/01/2018 | Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources |
| 02/05/2018 | Assigned ACNR sub: Subcommittee #4 |
| 02/06/2018 | Subcommittee recommends passing by indefinitely (4-Y 2-N) |
| 02/13/2018 | Left in Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources |
Comments
I support this bill. In the current process with the MVP pipeline, there has been inadequate study of water crossings. Something needs to get fixed about how things are being done.
The DEQ and the Board is throwing us all under the bus by refusing to do their jobs. The science unequivocally shows this project to be permanently devastating to our region's water sources.
Karst terrain is unique in allowing spills and contamination to spread over large areas impacting drinking water for a great number of people. This law will help ensure that special precautions are taken in Karst areas
We definitely need this bill. It will be a great help to prevent farces like the one we have experienced dealing with the MVP pipeline. Let's hope the penalties as defined are substantial and that the men tasked with imposing them can't be bought off as easily as our past politicians have been.
Every caution needs to made to protect our water. The amount of waterways in Roanoke County that will be impacted by MVP is extensive. This bill will provide relief in the process used by the Water Board.
Without intensive field verifying soil survey (Order 1 Soil Survey), none of us know what we have, nor will proposed MVP or ACP be able to predict/prevent erosion and sediment.
The process for permitting has been woefully inadequate. We need this bill!
I support this bill.
Virginia needs a mch stronger water control board!