NC DEQ approves water permit for MVP Southgate pipeline

WASHINGTON, D.C. -Today, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality issued a Clean Water Act Section 401 certificationfor Mountain Valley Pipeline, LLC's proposed methane gas pipeline "Southgate," rejecting concerns raised by North Carolina community members that the project would pollute streams and wetlands and harm protected aquatic species. More than 2,400 comments were submitted to the DEQ during the public input period.

The developer recently altered its plans for Southgate, changing the route and increasing the capacity and pipe diameter. Southgate would extend the controversial Mountain Valley Pipeline, and has faced significant opposition since the original project was first proposed in 2018.

During its original permit review in 2020, DEQ determined MVP Southgate posed an unneeded risk to North Carolina waterways and denied the developer's application for a Clean Water Act permit. The Southgate pipeline would extend from Pittsylvania County, Virginia, into Rockingham County, North Carolina. It is currently subject to an amendment review process by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for MVP's recently requested changes to the project.

North Carolina communities are especially concerned with Southgate's project route, which is very similar to the proposed Southeast Supply Enhancement Project from Williams Companies' expansion of the Transco pipeline network. The co-location of two additional high-pressure, large diameter pipelines, next to already-aging pipes, adds to safety risks for both proposed pipelines.

Southgate faces many remaining undetermined permitting decisions. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has yet to decide whether to approve the Southgate amendment request to change the capacity, route and pipe diameter. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality is currently undergoing its review process for a Clean Water Act Section 401 certification. Additionally, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has yet to decide whether to grant a Clean Water Act Section 404 permit.

"North Carolinians have made it clear that we do not want MVP Southgate," said Chris Herndon, North Carolina Chapter Director, at Sierra Club."And yet, at a time when so many households are struggling to pay their energy bills, the NCDEQ has approved this dangerous, polluting pipeline that will not only threaten the health of our waterways and communities but will translate to increasing energy bills. The fight doesn't stop here. We've been in this battle against this project for the long haul, and we know that disappointing decisions like this can't and won't stand in the way of the will of the people."

"This is an incredibly disappointing outcome, knowing the harm that MVP Southgate would inflict on the communities, waterways and aquatic ecosystems along the pipeline," said Juhi Modi, North Carolina Field Coordinator at Appalachian Voices. "As the federal courts have recognized, MVP has a history of causing water quality standards violations during construction of the mainline project. Southgate would also fuel Duke Energy's proposed massive expansion of methane gas power plants across our state, causing higher electric bills and irresponsibly increasing the risks we face from climate change. We know that there are safer, more affordable renewable energy options that can better serve North Carolinians."

"DEQ's decision to grant MVP Southgate's water permit is a blow to impacted communities and, regardless of conditions, risks our access to clean water," said Dr. Crystal Cavalier-Keck, Executive Director at 7 Directions of Service. "Even federal regulators have suggested MVP Southgate may not be necessary. It's baffling to imagine how - given the developer's disastrous track record of violations - any decision maker would invite such bad actors into our backyards. Nevertheless, our communities will keep fighting to protect our natural resources for future generations."

"North Carolinians are worried about their utilities," said Steph Gans, Assistant Director at Clean Water of North Carolina. "Many have to wonder if the water is safe to drink and if they can afford to pay the electricity or gas bill. By approving Mountain Valley Pipeline's application, DEQ is not only putting drinking water at risk, but allowing a pipeline to move forward that will raise those energy bills.This was not the decision our communities needed."

About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America's largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit https://www.sierraclub.org.