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Groups opposed to the Valley Pipeline said last week’s rupture of the Valley Pipeline during a pressure test highlighted the risks the project poses to the community, while lead developer Equitrans Midstream (NYSE: ETRN) explain The incident showed that the testing process was proceeding “as designed and expected.”
Because hydrostatic testing was underway and the rupture released only water, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality said the incident would not affect the approval of any state permits.
The company said it was evaluating potential causes of the pipeline failure, but that environmental protection measures were in place for the failed area and that it was “an active construction site… no different than any other active construction area on the right of way.”
“We have warned regulatory officials that MVP is a reckless company throwing corroded pipes into landslide-prone hillsides in a rush to meet its contractual obligations,” said the co-director of the Protect Our Water, Heritage, Rights Alliance.
The breach comes as developers led by Equitrans (ETRN) have petitioned the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for a June 1 commissioning date, but critics remain opposed.
