project OVerview
This study seeks to analyze the physical and ecological effects of the Mountain Valley Pipeline on small mountain streams. By examining physical stream traits (geomorphology), sediment deposition in the creek bed, water quality and aquatic insect diversity (benthic macroinvertebrates) we characterized four stream reaches in the Mill Creek watershed (Montgomery County, VA): two isolated from pipeline construction and one on each side of the pipeline right-of-way.
Study results provided numerical and visual evidence that the below pipeline stream was physically altered compared to upstream or isolated sites. The downstream site had greater sediment loads and relative impairment. However, ecologically, the aquatic insect community showed minimal variation by site. This study sufficiently establishes a baseline environmental assessment of the four respective reaches; further monitoring should evaluate physical stream properties and ecosystem health as pipeline construction continues and reclamation plans are implemented.
Study results provided numerical and visual evidence that the below pipeline stream was physically altered compared to upstream or isolated sites. The downstream site had greater sediment loads and relative impairment. However, ecologically, the aquatic insect community showed minimal variation by site. This study sufficiently establishes a baseline environmental assessment of the four respective reaches; further monitoring should evaluate physical stream properties and ecosystem health as pipeline construction continues and reclamation plans are implemented.
Background
What is the Mountain Valley Pipeline?
The Mountain Valley Pipeline is a 303 mile pipeline system transporting natural gas from the Equitrans transmission system in Wetzel County, West Virginia to the Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Company's Zone 5 compressor station in Pittsylvania County, Virginia. Capitalizing on the vast supply of natural gas from Marcellus and Utica shale production, the Mountain Valley Pipeline is expected to supply Mid- and South Atlantic markets with a surplus of natural gas. Despite the pipeline's expected national economic benefits, it has been an on-going topic of controversy in Central Appalachia.
The Mountain Valley Pipeline is a 303 mile pipeline system transporting natural gas from the Equitrans transmission system in Wetzel County, West Virginia to the Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Company's Zone 5 compressor station in Pittsylvania County, Virginia. Capitalizing on the vast supply of natural gas from Marcellus and Utica shale production, the Mountain Valley Pipeline is expected to supply Mid- and South Atlantic markets with a surplus of natural gas. Despite the pipeline's expected national economic benefits, it has been an on-going topic of controversy in Central Appalachia.
Environmental Concerns for Streams
Crossing through Appalachian karst geology and mountain streams, the Mountain Valley Pipeline impacts the surrounding ecosystems. Deforestation and construction on mountain grades alters habitat and can increase erosion and release nutrients, consequently affecting small streams. This can affect water quality and stream habitat for stream ecosystems, including fish and aquatic insects.
Mill Creek Watershed
4 study reaches were chosen in the headwaters of Mill Creek: 2 were isolated from construction, and one on each side of the pipeline right-of-way for direct comparison. The Mountain Valley Pipeline crosses Mill Creek in 3 different spots, making it at high risk to changes and important to study and characterize as construction continues.
This work is part of the Virginia Tech "Training Future Leaders to Solve Resource Challenges at the Confluence of Water & Society" project, supported by the Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates (REEU) Program [grant no. 2018-67032-27705] from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.