BLUE RIDGE COALITION – COMMITTEE MEETING

September 4, 2001

Introduction: Charlie Colvin, Chairman, passed out a packet of handouts that provided an overview of the FERC process as it affects Dominion (DGI) and the coalition, general areas that need to be addressed by the coalition, and committee heads and general areas of responsibility. Help is needed in all of the committees – call the committee heads to find out specific tasks and volunteer.

Treasurer: David Sower reported that there is just under $200 in the account. There have been no requests for funds or additional donations. More funds are needed to meet potential expenses with obtaining environmental and other assessments.

Media/Communications: Penny Lane expressed a need for help in contacting the media, as her focal point is “media events” that would publicize issues. She suggested that people meet at pipeline locations such as the river and parkway crossings. There was discussion the use of the terms “meditation” and “prayer” and the term “vigil” was suggested to reduce misunderstanding as to the nature of the event. During discussion it was further clarified that the committee contact person’s responsibility is to be a contact person, identify tasks, and delegate. She reminded people that someone from the VA. Organizing Project is willing to do a daytime, 3 to 4 hour presentation, but she needs feedback as to which date is preferable. The available dates are: Sept. 8, 9, 13, 18, 21-27. Contact Penny (745-5550) to let her know your preferred date.

Mrs. Goad brought sample letters to be sent to government officials and members were encouraged to continue writing to all politicians. A sample letter is also available on the website.

Gini Cooper (763-2704) expressed interest in working on a “cultural impact statement” that would include photos and essays about affected land along both lines. Landowners can contact her if they would like their land included in this project. She had spoken with the permitting officer of Army Corp. of Engineers, who stated that boring under a river is considered adequate to avoid endangered species and that a permit would not even be needed to bore under the Little River since it is not navigable. He also said that a historic or culturally sensitive site is more powerful for stopping construction than an environmentally sensitive site. A local archaeologist is reviewing the map of both routes to determine if there are any historically sensitive sites along either. People were reminded to contact Katie Gwinn to have sensitive sites located on the map.

Environment: Mary Ann Novascone reported that she and Michelle Banke continue to gather information about environmental issues and national organizations that may be helpful in this cause. She gave information about the Vermonters for a Clean Environment group that has a website listing a document on safety issues. This can be accessed at: vce.org by clicking on the energy link and then on the link to “what every city official should know about pipelines.” She has contacted Trouts Unlimited who will be having a state meeting soon and will decide if they want to become involved with us. She has also contacted the Sierra Club local representative, but he is unsure if they will become involved on a national level.

Economic/Cultural: Pat Sharkey is exploring the impact this pipeline will have on tourism in the NRV, specifically Floyd. She has gathered information on the numbers of people in Floyd who are directly affected by tourism (170) and has a database of people interested in tourism in the state. She has reviewed many tourist guides and a map of the entire pipeline and determined that the greatest impact on the tourism industry seems to be in Newbern, Floyd and Pulaski counties. She requested a more detailed map and input from people in the tourist industry.

Legal: Beth Flournoy reviewed the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which allows individuals to request information from any state or federal government agency. Several agencies have been contacted by the coalition and individual landowners and she is maintaining a list of who was contacted and when. Information is not continuing and continuing requests must be submitted to get all information. She is not sure specifically how this information can be used, but we can find out if a public meeting must be held prior to permitting and further identify possible roadblocks to the pipeline. At present there have been no charges for this information. Amy Adams has been reviewing the Duke Patriot FERC packet and said that there is a list in this of all permitting contacts.

Beth suggested a need for a governmental liaison to stay in touch with legislators and coordinate political strategies. Amy volunteered for this and a proposal will be presented at the next meeting. Mr. Goad expressed concern about the permission for survey form not having a statement about liability or time limits for the survey and John Robertson, an attending lawyer, said that he could be called with questions about the survey. State code says that DGI is liable for any damages, though the landowner would have to submit the claim. John stated that signing to receive the letter in no way grants permission for the survey, it simply proves that you have received it. A story was presented about a logger in Patrick Co. who was told by a right of way (ROW) agent that a new law allowed them to survey. The Commonwealth Attorney in Stuart then contacted this ROW agent who said that the logger must have been mistaken.

Watchdog: John Roberson, Senior, asked several people to say in one sentence why they don’t want the pipeline as an introduction to the need to present safety concerns to the public. He reported that DGI has joined with Piedmont Gas, who recently had a pipeline blow up. The NTSB lists 103 files of pipeline incidents. He said that people need to be writing letters and safety concerns should be in the media. He stressed that everyone in Floyd will be affected. Dominion has three main areas of business: 1- telecommunication/fiber optics, 2- gas storage, and 3 – gas transmission. He plans to explore Dominion as a company, get inspection records and safety reports. He will provide a form letter with factual information about the survey to send to all affected landowners, also requesting information as to whether or not they signed permission to survey. Amy will send addresses to David so that he can send out letters. Bulk mailing was discussed and determined to be too expensive for coalition needs.

Discussion: Following committee reports, David Sower’s process report was presented, which included decision-making, “centering time,” and voting. Due to the limited amount of time remaining, further discussion was postponed until the next meeting, which will be Tue. Sept 11 at the Jacksonville Center. The library has been reserved for September 17, 25, October 1, 8, 15, 23, 29, November 5, 12, 19, 27. David asked to stay later than the 9 pm. end time to process the meeting. It was agreed that 10 minutes was insufficient for committee reports and 15 minutes will be allotted in the future. Committee heads should get their agenda items to Charlie by Sunday at the latest to be added to the agenda. If he doesn’t hear anything, only 15 minutes will be allotted. John Robertson volunteered to facilitate at meetings and all agreed to this.

Minutes recorded by: Gini Cooper