In September, The Highlands Voice reported that construction on the Atlantic Coast Pipeline had been stopped by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) because it did not have proper permits.  The permits involved the developers’ duties under the Endangered Species Act and in crossing the Appalachian Trail.

Now the developers have received new approvals from the agencies involved.  As a result, FERC has issued a new order allowing construction to continue.

There remains in place a restriction on construction by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.  The Atlantic Coast Pipeline had attempted to use a permitting shortcut (called Nationwide Permit 12) for which it might not be eligible.  This permit is required before the project may cross streams or wetlands. The Corps of Engineers has halted construction in West Virginia until that is straightened out.

Note:  The permits mentioned in this little update are the same ones mentioned in the story on pp. 1, 4, and 5.  They are in the first full paragraph on p. 5.  To recap, the APC was in trouble with its approvals under the Endangered Species Act and crossing the Appalachian Trail.  That is straightened out.  From the Court’s comments reported in that story, it appears it is in trouble with its permit to cross the National Forests.  Along with its sister/rival/whatever Mountain Valley Pipeline it still has trouble with its approval for stream and wetland crossings. If this all sounds confusing, it is just because it is.