Environmental Permit Considerations / Requirements for Natural Gas Pipeline Installation Gathering Lines

Environmental Permit Considerations / Requirements for Natural Gas Pipeline Installation Gathering Lines Presented by: John J. Keeling, PE, QEP For WVU Extension Service Agriculture and Natural Resources Natural Gas Education Team Kingwood, WV Office

NOTE: Disclaimer I am NOT an attorney and this is not legal advice. Do not represent USEPA or WVDEP There slides are accurate to the best of my ability. However, if there are any concerns or questions, please contact John Keeling of MSES. While I believe that there are no discrepancies or perceived discrepancies between the information presented here, and the rules, regulations, or policies; MSES does not take responsibility for your use of this information. Review and determine requirements with your company consultant or attorney!

Types of Natural Gas Pipelines Gathering Well pads to sales point or processing facility Transportation From sales point/processing facility to storage or distribution center Distribution From transportation or gathering to commercial/residential end-user

Gathering Lines Supporting Shale Gas Production Typical Diameter 12 inch to 24 inch Construction Right-of-Way Width 12 inch 75 feet 24 inch 100 feet

Environmental Considerations 1. Wetlands Avoidance 2. Stream/River Crossings 3. Erosion Prevention 4. Sedimentation Control 5. Endangered Species Indiana Bat Freshwater Mussels Others

Environmental Considerations 6. Archeologically Sensitive Areas 7. Route that can be reasonable constructed and well maintained Slip prevention Adequate cover/protection 8. Access Roads Construction and/or maintenance

Special Installation Approaches for Environmentally Sensitive Areas 1. If possible, horizontal directionally drilling under large streams/rivers or wetlands 2. Reduction in disturbance width for sensitive areas 3. Work matts for equipment/soil placement 4. Robust erosion prevention/sedimentation control

Enforcement Agency Requirements U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Nationwide 12 permit for pipelines Nationwide 14 permit for access roads U.S. Fish and Wildlife/WV DNR Tree removal limitations/timing Sensitive/endangered species Additional studies may be required Clearance letters from agencies

WV DEP Enforcement Agency Requirements (continued) Stormwater Construction permits for areas of vegetation disturbance Includes pipeline route and access roads Note: this new permit will be required later in 2013 WV DNR Office of Land and Streams Stream crossing license 10 year license for both pipelines and access roads

Enforcement Agency Requirements (continued) WV State Historic Preservation Office Clearance letter from agency

Public Notice Requirements 1. Stormwater Construction Permit Application. 2. Signage at stream crossings and at road crossings. 3. If US Army Corps of Engineers permit is required.

Pipeline Route Fine Tuning Selection Process for Environmental Considerations 1. Once feasible route is selected, it is ground surveyed and survey crew will make minor changes for constructability 2. Environmental screen of route for wetlands and stream crossings 3. If environmental issues are identified, route changes are recommended 4. Once approach for environmental issues is selected, permits/licenses are applied for

Photo Examples of Construction

QUESTIONS