The U.S. Forest Service gave a green light Friday for the Mountain Valley Pipeline to cross federal forestland on its way through Western Virginia.
The approval marks another milestone for the planned 303-mile buried pipeline and another setback for those who fear it will mar scenic views and inflict environmental damage along its path.
The pipeline’s proposed route would traverse about 3.5 miles through portions of the Jefferson National Forest in Giles and Montgomery counties and Monroe County, West Virginia, crossing the Appalachian Trial at one point near the state line.
About 83 acres of forest land would be affected during construction. Forty-two acres will bear the longer-term impacts of tree clearing for permanent rights-of-way along 50-foot-wide swaths.
