Daily Energy Insider
by Kevin Randolph

The Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) recently submitted comments to the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, which is considering a 401 Water Quality Certification for the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline.

The IPAA assured the department that the pipeline route was carefully planned to avoid features such as caves and sinkholes. The comments also noted that the project would use the best available construction and engineering techniques, which are specifically designed for karst geology. The department’s study is focusing on construction and operation in upland areas, including karst and steep slope terrain.

The pipeline will also be built to withstand the formation of sinkholes, and the project has plans in place to project’s plans control erosion, sediment, and stormwater pollution, IPAA said.

IPAA’s comments also noted the economic and energy security benefits of the pipeline project.

“With the growth in American energy production — and its attendant benefits in creating new jobs, providing consumers with affordable energy, lowering manufacturing costs, and improving air quality — comes the need for infrastructure to move the commodity to markets,” IPAA said. “The Atlantic Coast Pipeline creates an opportunity for the use of natural gas to generate needed electricity. As such, IPAA urges the Department to issue the certification needed for this necessary and safe project to move forward.”