WCVE Public Radio 
by John Ogle

Dominion Energy is planning to establish new habitats for butterflies, bees, and other pollinator insects along the route of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline.

Dominion’s Aaron Ruby said the program is voluntary and will be implemented with approval and input from landowners.

"We’ve identified around 750 acres of suitable locations, along roughly 50 miles of the pipeline’s route, where we can create new habitats."

They worked with Virginia Tech’s Conservation Management Institute to develop dozens of native seed mixes including grasses and wildflowers.

"These habitats are not only suitable for the bees and the butterflies but they’re also very beneficial for small wildlife like Quail, Turkey, song birds."

Over the years, Dominion has created more than 43,000 acres of pollinator habitats along electric transmission and distribution rights of way.

Read the full story in WCVE Public Radio