Stop Work Order Modified and West Virginia 404 Permit Reinstated
Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC released the following statement in response to individual orders issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit on August 29, 2018, for the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) project. The FERC's Modified Stop Work Order allows full construction activities to restart along the route, with exception of areas located within proximity of the Weston Gauley Bridge Turnpike Trail and the Jefferson National Forest. The order by the Fourth Circuit Court lifted the stay of the West Virginia 404 permit issued by the Huntington District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which pertained to stream and wetland crossings. The Court also denied a request to stay MVP's permit related to stream and waterbody crossings in Virginia.
"We appreciate the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) prompt review and additional, in-depth analysis of MVP alternatives with respect to federal lands and agree with their conclusion regarding the practicality of the project's currently permitted route. This conclusion resolves the basis of the Stop Work Order issued on August 3, 2018, and also confirms that MVP's existing route minimizes impacts to sensitive species and environmental, cultural, and historic resources in the Forest.
In addition, we are pleased with the Court's decision to reinstate the West Virginia 404 permit, which supports the ‘dry-ditch' method of crossing waterbodies as originally approved by both the FERC and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection.
With these orders issued by the FERC and the Fourth Circuit Court, MVP is now able to return approximately 1,000 workers who have been suspended from their duties on the project. As we continue with safe and responsible construction activities along the vast majority of the route, we will coordinate with the agencies to address the Court's concerns with the Federal Land Permits. We appreciate the collaborative and concerted efforts by all state and federal agencies and look forward to the in-service of this important infrastructure project."
MVP continues to evaluate its construction plans and reiterates a full in-service target during the fourth quarter 2019.
About Mountain Valley Pipeline
The Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) is a proposed underground, interstate natural gas pipeline system that spans approximately 303 miles from northwestern West Virginia to southern Virginia. Subject to approval and regulatory oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the MVP will be constructed and owned by Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC – a joint venture of EQT Midstream Partners, LP; NextEra US Gas Assets, LLC; Con Edison Transmission, Inc.; WGL Midstream; and RGC Midstream, LLC. The MVP was designed to transport clean-burning natural gas from the prolific Marcellus and Utica shale regions to the growing demand markets in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast areas of the United States. Targeting a full in-service during the fourth quarter of 2019, EQT Midstream Partners (NYSE:EQM), primary interest owner, will operate the pipeline. From planning and development, to construction and in-service operation – MVP is dedicated to the safety of its communities, employees, and contractors; and to the preservation and protection of the environment.
Visit www.mountainvalleypipeline.info
Cautionary Statements
The business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could suffer if Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC does not proceed with projects under development or is unable to complete the construction of, or capital improvements to, its facilities on schedule or within budget.
Uncertainties and risks inherent in operating and maintaining Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC's facilities include, but are not limited to, risks associated with facility start-up operations, such as whether the facilities will achieve projected operating performance on schedule and otherwise as planned.
Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects can be materially adversely affected by weather conditions, including, but not limited to, the impact of severe weather.
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