Ninety-four percent of the Mountain Valley Pipeline’s (MVP) water crossings did not maintain their biological condition following construction, according to a new report from the West Virginia Rivers Coalition and Downstream Strategies.  

The comprehensive analysis documents the environmental impacts of the 303-mile fracked gas pipeline on West Virginia’s stream and wetland crossings. The pipeline, spanning 11 counties and eight major watersheds, crosses thousands of streams and wetlands and critical habitats in mountainous terrain with steep slopes and highly erodible soils. The analysis evaluated data collected by independent consultants at 139 stream crossings and 61 wetland crossings. The results highlight the alarming environmental impacts of the pipeline construction. 

Senior Scientist Than Hitt explained, “Despite MVP’s use of Best Management Practices, the findings reveal widespread degradation of riparian buffers, destabilized stream banks, diminished aquatic habitats, and increased sedimentation caused by their construction activities.”

Key findings include: 

• Stream Impacts: 88% of stream crossings experienced significant declines in riparian buffer health, with 14 crossings showing severe decreases in channel stability. Disruptions to these aquatic ecosystems can jeopardize critical habitats for species such as native brook trout and freshwater mussels, both of which are essential to West Virginia’s biodiversity and economy. 

• Wetland Impacts: At least ten wetlands lost their saturated conditions necessary for supporting unique vegetation and wildlife. Additionally, 89% of wetland crossings showed soil disturbance, and 70% experienced substantial loss of vegetative cover, compromising their ability to filter pollutants and mitigate flooding. 

“Even when ‘enhanced’ erosion control measures are in place, this report documents the destructive nature of pipeline construction,” said Mariah Clay, Southern WV Coordinator at WV Rivers Coalition. 

Clay continued, “Healthy streams and wetlands are vital to the region’s biodiversity, water quality, and resilience to climate impacts. The damage documented shows an urgent need for sustained monitoring, restoration, and accountability.” 

The West Virginia Rivers Coalition calls on agencies and lawmakers to implement stronger regulations around pipeline crossing methods, restoration, and monitoring to address the findings of this report and better protect West Virginia’s water resources. To learn more and access the full report, click here. 

West Virginia Rivers Coalition and Downstream Strategies invites the public to attend a virtual webinar on December 13, 2024, at 12:00 PM to learn more. Register to attend here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIqd-6prTspHtVjHXcFqcTXcAgBzN6dOyFF  
 

###

About West Virginia Rivers Coalition:
The West Virginia Rivers Coalition is a statewide non-profit organization working to conserve and restore West Virginia’s exceptional rivers and streams through advocacy, education, and community engagement. Learn more at www.wvrivers.org.