Pipelines 101

Pipelines 101 is a four-part webinar series about the regulations, construction, land use implications, and engagement options surrounding FERC-regulated proposed natural gas pipelines. You can download the presentations, watch recordings of the webinars, and access additional resources below.

Episode 1

A FERC Overview from Pre-filing through Appeal

Recorded Monday, October 22, 2018 from 1pm-2:30pm EST

The first of a four part series, this episode provides an overview of the FERC interstate natural gas pipeline approval process and the relevant laws that impact the process (Natural Gas Act, National Environmental Protection Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, National Historic Preservation Act, Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899). Michael Corley, an attorney with the South Carolina Environmental Law Project (SCELP), presents this overview along with a brief overview of the process itself, from pre-filing to appeal. Upstate Forever's Shelley Robbins also explains how to navigate the FERC website. 

You can watch the webinar recording below or download a PDF of the presentation here.

EIS or EA? Nationwide 12, 404 and 401 certifications

Recorded Wednesday, October 24, 2018 from 1pm-2:30pm EST

In Episode Two of our four part series, David Sligh, Conservation Director for Wild Virginia, explores the differences between an Environmental Assessment and an Environmental Impact Statement. He also explains how the wetland and waterbody permits and certifications work for interstate natural gas pipeline projects regulated by FERC.

You can watch the webinar recording below or download a PDF of the presentation here. 

Recorded Monday, October 29, 2018 from 1pm-2:30pm EST

In this third episode in our four part series, we get an introduction to the Energy Information Administration website as well as an overview of normal pipeline construction (land clearing and restoration, welds, potential problems, pig launchers and receivers, compressor stations). We also gain an understanding of how flow and energy are measured (cubic feet and dekatherms), how to communicate a pipeline’s capacity in relative and understandable terms, and we take a look at export terminals and international market growth and price trends. Upstate Forever’s Shelley Robbins presents this episode. 

You can watch the webinar recording below or download a PDF of the presentation here.

Land Trust, Forestry, Engagement and Monitoring

Recorded Wednesday, October 31, 2018 from 1pm-2:30pm EST

In this final episode of our four part series, we look at the implications of a FERC-regulated natural gas pipeline project on properties with a conservation easement on them as well as commercial timber properties. We also learn how to identify property owners for engagement along a proposed pipeline route using GIS mapping and parcel data. And finally, we look at examples of monitoring resources and programs that can be used before, during and after construction. Upstate Forever’s GIS expert Katie Premo Hottel joined us along with David Sligh, Conservation Director for Wild Virginia. 

You can watch the webinar recording below or download a PDF of the presentation here.

Additional Resources

• Pipeline CSI
• Mountain Valley Watch Portal
• Natural Gas Act
• FERC Wetlands and Water Body Construction and Mitigation Procedures
• Delaware Riverkeeper Pipeline Watch Training Module
• High Consequence Areas, Blast Zones and Public Safety Along The Atlantic Coast Pipeline
• Permitting Process for an Interstate Natural Gas Pipeline Project (northern Middlesex COG)
• EMLF Condemnation Issues
• Condemnation Issues Under the Natural Gas Act
• FERC Upland Erosion Control, Revegetation, and Maintenance Plan