Editor:

I appreciate your coverage of the recent court case as reported by Morgan White, “Compressor case to be appealed.” Mr. White’s reporting allows us to understand what happened in the Buckingham Circuit Court early this week. I was in attendance to follow the issues involved with the dreaded Dominion pipeline, the Atlantic Coast Pipeline.

Without your coverage, many of those in the courtroom would have no idea of what transpired. The legal representatives could not be heard. The courtroom is fairly modern and displays a number of significant technical devices to facilitate the court proceedings. The failure of the court to assure that those attending could hear the concerns is most regrettable. The main snag was the reluctance of those speaking to use the microphones provided. It is not a difficult concept.

It is a situation that can be easily remedied with some effort of all involved. It is unfortunate that Judge Alexander’s important decision was blunted by the poor sound control. It is a court of law and pantomime procedures are not appropriate.

The important issue is whether the Special Use Permit is legal for Dominion to proceed. The technical issues of the timing were unfortunate but should not detract from the important consideration of how and why this pipeline is being forced on the citizens of Buckingham. Mr. White’s article noted that the clear majority of those concerned were opposed to the pipeline. As a landowner in the path of the ACP, I can attest that much damage has already been done.

Where is our attorney general on the issue of intimidation and coercion of senior citizens? Why is Buckingham backing a 19th-century solution to problems and concerns of today? The county should revoke the permit and assist the pipeline’s victims to recover their property and peace of mind. Anything less simply compounds a tragic and misguided decision. The pipeline is a grave injustice for all Virginians.

Quinn Robinson

Dillwyn