PITTSBURGH—Mountain Valley Pipeline LLC on Dec. 13 announced a 2018 year-end project update, supporting its targeted fourth-quarter 2019 full in-service date and reaffirming a total Mountain Valley Pipeline (MVP) project cost estimate of $4.6 billion.

Mountain Valley expects to have approximately 70% of the MVP project complete by year-end, which includes the welding of nearly 58% of the pipeline and the ongoing construction work of all compressor stations and interconnects that are expected to be complete by February. Most recently, MVP construction crews have been focused on stabilizing the right-of-way for the winter season.

“Construction of MVP began in February 2018 and, despite various setbacks and unprecedented weather conditions, we have made substantial progress this year,” said Diana Charletta, COO of Equitrans Midstream Corp. “We appreciate the expertise and oversight of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, as well as other state and federal agencies that have helped guide our construction activities. The MVP project team takes its environmental stewardship responsibilities very seriously and we will continue to comply with the laws and regulations related to the safe and responsible construction of our MVP project.”

Since the onset of the project more than four years ago, MVP has retained five key stakeholder priorities: design a route with the least overall impact to landowners and communities; minimize impacts to sensitive species and preserve cultural, historical, and environmental resources, including streams and wetlands; construct the pipeline in the safest manner possible; maintain high levels of environmental protection at all times; and ensure the safety of MVP’s landowners, communities, inspectors, employees, and contractors.

Activities related to MVP’s construction have brought an economic boost to local businesses, restaurants, and hotels—generating additional revenue and creating jobs. Additionally, and in support of communities along the route, MVP established a local giving program in mid-2017. MVP’s community support program provides sponsorships and donations to charitable organizations and community events that focus on STEAM education (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics); environmental stewardship; civic and community; or arts and culture. During the past 18 months, MVP has donated nearly $400,000 to local organizations and community associations along the 303-mile route.1

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