4th Circuit grants stay on MVP project water crossing authorizations

Washington — The 4th US Court of Appeals has granted a stay on federal water crossing authorizations for the 303-mile, 2 Bcf/d Mountain Valley Pipeline, in another setback for the natural gas project connecting Appalachian gas to Mid-Atlantic markets.

The court action Nov. 9 came on the same day that a panel of the 4th Circuit heard oral argument on whether to grant a stay pending litigation.

Environmental groups have challenged authorizations recently reissued by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The court on Oct. 16 had granted a temporary administrative stay, but MVP and the Army Corps had argued against a longer freeze while litigation played out.

The project has faced multiple challenges on its various permits from a coalition of environmental organizations. It is mostly built but has been stalled in final segments, notably on multiple stream crossings.

MVP spokeswoman Natalie Cox said while the company was disappointed with the court action, it expects that once the case is reviewed on the merits of the arguments there will be a different conclusion.

"Although the Nationwide Permit 12 is certainly important to MVP, the crews are continuing with all other aspects of the project – including forward construction work in various upland areas along the route, as authorized and permitted."