Is your property in the evacuation zone of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP)? Only landowners whose property the ACP will cross have been contacted and no information about increasing risk has been provided as the project evolves. 

The horsepower of the Buckingham compressor station has increased three times and more increases are likely. 

A 7,700 horsepower unit will be replaced with a 20,500 horsepower unit, for 53,515 total horsepower. ACP says air pollution and noise protection will be adjusted so residents will not notice this change.

However, there is a very significant change for those located near the pipeline and compression station. Appendix C in the 2014 “Pipeline Emergency Response Guidelines” from the Pipeline Association for Public Awareness reveals that if an explosion occurs, the distance a person will need to be from the pipeline to avoid danger increased about 300 feet to about 3,800 feet — or nearly three-quarters of a mile. 

With each increase, additional people and properties are in the evacuation zone. Many of them are unaware of their exposure to danger because this information has not been shared.

In 2014, Dominion officials indicated that a fiber communications network would be used to constantly monitor the pipeline. However, in late 2015, when I asked the question again, I was told they will use cellular communication — which experience has shown me is less dependable than fiber — even though our risk exposure has increased.

As I deal with the ACP proposal to bisect the middle of my family’s farm where we operate a 100-plus year old business, I am extremely frustrated with the process and with the lack of public awareness about the pipeline. 

It seems the goal of the ACP, local leaders and media is to keep negative information hidden.    

Although public meetings have been held in other counties, there have been none in Buckingham. While the ACP supported economic study’s findings have been widely touted, those from Key Log, which site that conservatively estimate $4.2-$7.1 million in annual economic losses to Buckingham, have been ignored.

It was presented late in the Buckingham Board of Supervisors’ meeting. Members asked no questions. No media reported. I am very disappointed to feel that Buckingham officials have no concern about the safety and economic losses of people and property along the pipeline.

If you are a landowner along the pipeline, get an experienced attorney and don’t sign an easement before ACP gets its certificate.

Don’t let them sacrifice us.

Irene Ellis Leech is from Mt. Rush in Buckingham. Her email address is ileech@vt.edu.