Along with many others who live, work and play in Buckingham, I welcome the news of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) requiring 401 individual water quality certifications for the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP) project.

The potential impact of the proposed ACP on waterways, including the James River and creek and streams across Buckingham, has been a concern to many, and these water quality certifications, according to DEQ, “will ensure that Virginia water quality standards are maintained in all areas affected by the projects,” according to an agency spokesman.

What’s also good about this process is that it affords the community an opportunity to review and comment on the certifications and the conditions “required to protect water quality. DEQ also will hold public hearings on the draft certifications,” the spokesman said.

Public review of protective measures, along with the required permits, is a step in the right direction for a project that’s impacting many in Buckingham County.

JORDAN MILES is managing editor of The Farmville Herald and Farmville Newsmedia LLC. His email address is Jordan.Miles@FarmvilleHerald.com.