Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
BLM Frequent Asked Questions
Why is the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) involved?
Section 28 of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as amended (30 U.S.C. 185) Grants BLM the authority to issue right-of-way grants when two or more federal agencies are involved. The proposed MVP crosses National Forest System lands and federal lands administered by the Army Corps of Engineers. Therefore, in this instance, the BLM would issue a right-of-way grant with concurrence from the Forest Service.
Can pipeline construction proceed on National Forest System lands during the Forest Service objection time period?
No. After FERC issues the certificate of necessity and convenience, the company may begin construction on private land, if authorized by FERC.
The BLM cannot make a decision on issuing a right-of-way grant until the Forest Service has finished the objection process for the Plan amendments and provides its concurrence to the BLM.
Can I object to or appeal the Forest Service action to concur or not concur with BLM issuing a right-of-way grant?
No. Concurrence from the Forest Service for the BLM right-of-way grant is not a decision that is subject to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and therefore is not subject to objection.
What happens if the Forest Service does not concur with BLM’s decision to issue a right-of-way grant?
BLM will not issue the right-of-way grant until the heads of agencies administering the lands involved have concurred. Where concurrence is not reached, the Secretary of Interior, after consulting with these agencies may issue the right-of-way grant.
USFS Frequently Asked Questions
For questions pertaining to the USFS role and processes regarding Mountain Valley Pipeline, USFS 45-day public objection period on the USFS Jefferson National Forest Resource Management Plan Amendment, and more please visit USFS Important Documents .
Can I object to the Forest Service decision to amend the Jefferson Forest Plan?
The Forest Service issued a draft ROD for the Mountain Valley Project (MVP) Plan amendment on June 23, 2017. There are two ways you can gain eligibility to file an objection. 1) If you submitted timely, specific written comments regarding the proposed amendment during the FERC Notice of Intent comment period or FERC’s comment period on the Draft EIS. 2) If the issue you are objecting is based on new information that arose after the designated opportunities for comment. (36 CFR 218.8(c)) You have the right to object to our draft decision for amending the Jefferson National Forest Plan if either of these scenarios applies.
The opportunity to object ends 45 days following the date of publication of the legal notice in The Roanoke Times, the newspaper of record for the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests pursuant to 36 CFR 218 regulations. The Forest Service then has up to 45 days to respond to objections and may extend its timeframe to respond by an additional 30 days. A final decision will not be made until the Forest Service has responded to the objections it receives. The Plan amendment to the Jefferson National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan would go into effect after a final decision is issued.
For frequently asked questions- How Do I Object to the Forest Service Decision to Amend the Jefferson Forest Plan, visit: Link Here
BLM Frequent Asked Questions
Why is the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) involved?
Section 28 of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as amended (30 U.S.C. 185) Grants BLM the authority to issue right-of-way grants when two or more federal agencies are involved. The proposed MVP crosses National Forest System lands and federal lands administered by the Army Corps of Engineers. Therefore, in this instance, the BLM would issue a right-of-way grant with concurrence from the Forest Service.
Can pipeline construction proceed on National Forest System lands during the Forest Service objection time period?
No. After FERC issues the certificate of necessity and convenience, the company may begin construction on private land, if authorized by FERC.
The BLM cannot make a decision on issuing a right-of-way grant until the Forest Service has finished the objection process for the Plan amendments and provides its concurrence to the BLM.
Can I object to or appeal the Forest Service action to concur or not concur with BLM issuing a right-of-way grant?
No. Concurrence from the Forest Service for the BLM right-of-way grant is not a decision that is subject to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and therefore is not subject to objection.
What happens if the Forest Service does not concur with BLM’s decision to issue a right-of-way grant?
BLM will not issue the right-of-way grant until the heads of agencies administering the lands involved have concurred. Where concurrence is not reached, the Secretary of Interior, after consulting with these agencies may issue the right-of-way grant.
USFS Frequently Asked Questions
For questions pertaining to the USFS role and processes regarding Mountain Valley Pipeline, USFS 45-day public objection period on the USFS Jefferson National Forest Resource Management Plan Amendment, and more please visit USFS Important Documents .
Can I object to the Forest Service decision to amend the Jefferson Forest Plan?
The Forest Service issued a draft ROD for the Mountain Valley Project (MVP) Plan amendment on June 23, 2017. There are two ways you can gain eligibility to file an objection. 1) If you submitted timely, specific written comments regarding the proposed amendment during the FERC Notice of Intent comment period or FERC’s comment period on the Draft EIS. 2) If the issue you are objecting is based on new information that arose after the designated opportunities for comment. (36 CFR 218.8(c)) You have the right to object to our draft decision for amending the Jefferson National Forest Plan if either of these scenarios applies.
The opportunity to object ends 45 days following the date of publication of the legal notice in The Roanoke Times, the newspaper of record for the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests pursuant to 36 CFR 218 regulations. The Forest Service then has up to 45 days to respond to objections and may extend its timeframe to respond by an additional 30 days. A final decision will not be made until the Forest Service has responded to the objections it receives. The Plan amendment to the Jefferson National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan would go into effect after a final decision is issued.
For frequently asked questions- How Do I Object to the Forest Service Decision to Amend the Jefferson Forest Plan, visit: Link Here