Proposed power plant would use controversial gas pipeline

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (AP) — A company wants to build a natural gas plant on the Elizabeth River that would utilize a controversial pipeline project.

The Virginian-Pilot reported (http://bit.ly/2cBGA0t) Wednesday that the facility would be built in Chesapeake by the New York-based Macquarie Infrastructure Corporation.

The plant would add about 1,400 megawatts to the state’s electricity supply. And it would be fueled by Dominion Power’s planned Atlantic Coast Pipeline.

The natural gas pipeline will run from West Virginia to North Carolina with a branch that leads through Chesapeake. Some landowners and environmentalists have opposed the project. But others believe it will be an economic boon.

Chesapeake’s mayor said as long as environmental concerns are addressed, the proposed plant has the potential to create jobs and revenue.

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Information from: The Virginian-Pilot, http://pilotonline.com