DEP Releases Recommendations For Gas Pipeline Build-Out

In the next decade, Pennsylvania will undergo a substantial pipeline infrastructure built-out to transport natural gas and related products from thousands of wells throughout the state. The unprecedented build-out prompted Quigley to ask stakeholders to participate in a collaborative process to achieve a world-class pipeline system. The Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force is developing policies, guidelines, and tools to assist in pipeline development, including
planning, permitting, and construction, as well as long-term operation and maintenance.

The purpose and goals of the panel are to define a series of best practices and recommendations to plan, site, and route pipelines in ways that avoid or reduce environmental and community impacts; amplify and engage public participation; maximize opportunities for predictable and efficient permitting; and employ construction methods that reduce environmental and community impact. Finally, the task force is charged with recommending strategies to
ensure pipeline safety and integrity during operation.

“This is an important first milestone in developing the framework to help guide responsible pipeline development in Pennsylvania,” said Quigley. “This draft report is the culmination of hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of work
done by the members of this task force and by the volunteers on the 12 workgroups.” Quigley added that the recommendations in the draft report were authored by various stakeholders affected by pipeline development, among them agriculture; communities; environmentalists; cultural resource advocates; industry; local, state, and federal agencies; and emergency responders.