Buckingham County board directs staff to study Valley Link pipeline routing through Buckingham Canyon and draft resolution

The Buckingham County board held a special session to consider taking a formal position on proposed Valley Link pipeline routing that board members said could cross Buckingham Canyon.

Mister Palmer, a board member, told colleagues the community had raised “a number of concerns” about the project and asked residents to submit specific information so county staff could present those issues to Dominion, Valley Link and regulators. He moved that the county administrator and county attorney monitor developments, “including any filings or proceedings before the Virginia State Corporation Commission,” identify legal and procedural options, and present a recommendation and draft resolution for the board to consider.

The motion directed staff to consider potential participation in regulatory proceedings and to engage other professionals as appropriate to advise the county. After a second and brief confirmation, the board voted in favor; the chair recorded seven yes votes and the motion was approved.

Why it matters: board members said the routing proposals include multiple alternatives, including several that would pass through Buckingham County. They flagged routing and health concerns raised by constituents and said the county lacks unilateral authority to approve or deny the project because the Virginia State Corporation Commission will have a decision-making role.

What the board asked staff to do: prepare a written recommendation and draft a resolution, monitor filings and regulatory proceedings related to Valley Link and any associated pipeline proposal, identify legal and procedural options (including whether and how the county could participate in those proceedings), and engage outside professionals for technical or legal assistance.

The meeting concluded after the vote; no additional public comments or actions were recorded during the session.