States: Virginia

  • Pittsylvania County Preservation League

    Pittsylvania County Preservation League was formed for the purpose of stopping the Southgate extension to the Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP).  The extension is planned to connect to the southern terminus of the MVP at Transco Village in Chatham, VA, then run parallel to the existing Transco pipeline for 26 miles in Pittsylvania County.

    The Southgate’s path through an area dense with freshwater streams and rivers raises concern over impairment to those water bodies, including sedimentation, warming of streams through suppression of tree cover on streambanks for the duration of the commercial life of the pipeline, dynamic runoff from tree-free areas during rain events along the entire length of the pipeline, and the planned use of herbicides to control invasive plant species along the pipeline. Additionally, the sediment flowing downstream from the Southgate waterbody crossings will further damage the Dan River, which was already critically impaired following a coal ash spill in 2014.

    Contacts:

    Ann Rogers

  • Coalition for a Clean Dan River Region

    The Coalition for a Clean Dan River Region was formed in 2020 by a group of concerned citizens living near the First Piedmont Landfill in Ringold, VA.  The landfill was first permitted to accept “sanitary” waste in the early 1970’s.  Soon thereafter, the owners of the landfill attempted to secure a permit to accept hazard waste.  At that time the citizens banded together to form the Dan River District Action Committee.  After a lengthy fight, the landfill ultimately backed down and the group dissolved.

    In the early 2000’s, the same landfill began to inch closer to nearby property lines.  Residents around the perimeter began to notice foul odors, and trash began to be blown into their yards.  As the landfill grows, the residents have air quality concerns, and also concerns about the diminishing quality of life in their once quiet community.

    “We are here to stand up, make our voices heard, and secure a safe neighborhood for our children!”

     – Julie Owens, CCDRR Director

     

     

    Contact:

    Julie Owens

    Mark Barker

     

     

  • Preserve Bent Mountain/Roanoke

  • Preserve Franklin

    Preserve Franklin is a group of concerned citizens taking a stand for landowner rights against the abuse of eminent domain by private companies and against the environmental and safety risks of gas pipelines.

  • Virginians For Appropriate Roads (VAR)

    About Us

    Virginians for Appropriate Roads (VAR) is a grassroots organization working to protect the integrity of our farmlands, forests and rural communities by supporting fiscally conservative and environmentally sound transportation policies. VAR is opposed to the proposed new terrain I-73 highway in southwest Virginia, and to similar highway projects which threaten our region with irreparable cultural and environmental damage, and which levy an unacceptable financial burden on the citizens of Virginia and the Nation. Upgrading and repairing existing roads and bridges, and in particular Route 220 from Roanoke to the North Carolina border, is the responsible way to meet the Roanoke Region’s highway needs.

    Virginians for Appropriate Roads reported that the final environmental impact statement on I-73 through Roanoke has been delayed. VAR efforts and consultation work with Harry Reem , a historic preservation consultant from Arlington, VA, has led to a section of S.E. Roanoke to be eligible for historic designation. The approved I-73 route would traverse this section. Now, VDOT will need to look at alternatives to avoid this area. VAR is also seeking eligibility status for another community which would be eliminated by the I-73 route. Andrea Ferster, a public affairs lawyer in Washington, D.C., is assisting VAR. VAR dubbed I-73 “The Incredible Shrinking Interstate.” West Virginia, the originator of the proposed highway, is not building to interstate standards and in North Carolina only a few pieces may be constructed.

    Contact:

    Ann Rogers