The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality approved three environmental protection plans for the Atlantic Coast pipeline, allowing construction to begin on the 300-mile track across the state, according to an Oct. 19 press release. Following the approval of the erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, and karst protection plans, final construction approval now lies with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. On Sept. 17 the federal regulator allowed the pipeline to resume construction activities in North Carolina, a month after suspending all work on the line due to a court decision that vacated two federal permits. The $6 billion, 604-mile natural gas pipeline would extend from West Virginia into Virginia and North Carolina and is a joint project by Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, Piedmont Natural Gas, and Southern Company Gas.