Mountain Valley Pipeline Boost: Eco Review by October
Published Date: 7/9/2025
Notice
Summary
Mountain Valley Pipeline wants to boost its Southgate Project’s gas capacity from 375,000 to 550,000 dekatherms per day, meaning more gas can flow through the pipeline. The government is preparing an environmental check and will share the results by October 3, 2025, with final decisions expected by January 1, 2026. This affects local communities, regulators, and energy users, and could speed up energy delivery while following environmental rules.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Pipeline Capacity Increase to 550,000 Dth/d
Mountain Valley Pipeline proposes to raise the Southgate Project capacity from 375,000 dekatherms per day (Dth/d) to 550,000 Dth/d. The Amendment Project would also change pipeline diameter to 30 inches and alter the route between Pittsylvania County, Virginia and Rockingham County, North Carolina.
Environmental and Safety Concerns Will Be Addressed
Public commenters raised concerns about groundwater, waterbodies, wetlands, threatened and endangered species, forested areas, cumulative impacts, air emissions, and pipeline safety related to the increased diameter and capacity; FERC says all substantive environmental comments will be addressed in the EA. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service field offices are cooperating agencies for the EA.
Project Design Changes Affect Local Contractors
The Amendment Project would shorten the pipeline from 75.1 miles to 31.3 miles, remove the Lambert Compressor Station, remove four mainline valves and two cathodic protection groundbeds, and add two new contractor yards; construction of the originally authorized Southgate Project has not yet started.
Environmental Review Schedule and Deadlines
FERC staff will issue an Environmental Assessment (EA) on October 3, 2025, which will be open for a 30-day comment period, and other federal and state agencies must reach final decisions within 90 days after the EA, by January 1, 2026. If the schedule changes, FERC will provide additional notice.
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