Comment to WVDEP on the Water Quality Impacts of the Hammerhead Pipeline
The Hammerhead Pipeline, a project of EQT, is a 25-mile, 30-inch gathering line to be constructed in Monongalia, Marion and Wetzel Counties. The project would impact 500 acres and approximately 128 streams and wetlands. You can submit comments on the permit application through December 13, 2018. If you have questions, please contact Autumn Crowe, acrowe@wvrivers.org.
Permit Available for Public Comment
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) released for public comment Hammerhead’s Oil & Gas Construction Stormwater General Permit (WVR311199). This permit is designed to prevent polluted run-off from pipeline construction from entering waterbodies. You can learn more about stormwater permits here. View the permit application at DEP website.
Suggested Comments
The submitted application is inadequate and does not meet the permit requirements for the DEP Oil & Gas Construction Stormwater General Permit.
Drinking Water Impacts: The project impacts the drinking water source for Pine Grove Water and Sistersville Municipal Water. DEP must require enhanced controls through the source water protection areas and require notification to downstream utilities in the event of a spill.
Stream Crossings: Detailed construction plans for individual stream crossing are needed including stream restoration plans. The project plans show standard construction details for a stream crossing with no information on how the stream will be restored.
Steep Slopes: Forty percent of the project’s construction occurs on slopes greater than 35%. The applicant’s proposed controls on steep slopes are insufficient. The applicant must define the additional erosion control measures for steep slopes including a landslide mitigation plan.
Turbidity Monitoring: WV Water Quality Standards include criteria for turbidity. The permittee should be required to conduct frequent monitoring for turbidity at stream crossings to show compliance with the state standards.
Submit Comments by 5PM December 13, 2018
- In person at the Public Hearing on December 3 at Morgantown City Council Chambers, 6pm
- By email with the permit number in the subject line: dep.comments@wv.gov or
- By mail referencing the permit number in your letter:
Director, Division of Water and Management, DEP
ATTN: Sharon Mullins, Permitting Section
601 57th Street SE
Charleston, WV 25304-2345
