Water in pipeline trench raises concern on Bent Mountain

One week after the Mountain Valley Pipeline suspended construction to correct problems with erosion and sediment control, pipeline opponents say water in a pipeline trench on Bent Mountain is raising concerns.

Ground water has seeped into a trench at the point where the pipeline crosses under Route 221. Opponents say it raises questions about the integrity of pipeline construction, and the potential for contamination of drinking water.

Bruce Coffey is a Bent Mountain landowner.

"We hope DEQ definitely gets involved in this and comes out and inspects the sites," Coffey told WDBJ7 Friday afternoon. "I have not seen a DEQ inspector out here on property itself. We're hoping they will finally get the word that this is probably not the best thing to do."

MVP released the following statement Friday afternoon:

"In coordination with the VDEQ, on Friday, June 29, MVP announced that it would temporarily suspend pipeline installation activities in Virginia in order to focus exclusively on erosion and sediment controls (ESC). As part of the process, the VDEQ was going to review ESC at given points along the route and provide approval to restart full pipeline activities in those areas. The MVP project team continues to take its environmental stewardship responsibilities very seriously and appreciates the guidance and oversight by the VDEQ."