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The National Park Service has given the Dominion Energy-led Atlantic Coast Pipeline another key approval, authorizing construction and operation of the pipeline under the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The service has issued construction and right of way permits for the crossing, concluding it “is consistent with the long-term conservation of scenery, wildlife and cultural resources under the agency’s care,” Dominion said in a statement.

“The agency’s approval was reached after more than three years of careful study and meaningful engagement with the public and other agencies,” Dominion said. “In consultation with the agency, we adopted the most protective crossing method for the Parkway that will completely avoid surface impacts and preserve public view sheds.”

Workers will drill a tunnel 800 feet below the parkway using horizontal directional drilling to install the pipeline, which will run 600 miles from West Virginia, through Virginia and into North Carolina.

“This ensures that construction and operation of the pipeline will have no impact on the public use or enjoyment of the parkway,” said Aaron Ruby, a Dominion spokesman. “We’ve always believed it’s important to balance the energy needs of consumers with the preservation of cultural resources.”