Common Environmental Problems Encountered During Construction of Major Gas Transmission Lines

David D. Macks, David Morrell, and John Strub

Beginning with construction of the Iroquois Gas Transmission Line in 1991, Compliance Unit Staff of the Department of Public Service’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Environment, has monitored construction of almost 960 km (600 miles) of 30.5–91.5 cm (12–36 in) steel gas transmission line. In each instance, detailed construction plans were submitted to and approved by the New York State Public Service Commission. Detailed records were kept of all requested changes in those construction plans and numerous instances of non-compliance with them as well. Review, categorization and analysis of requested changes and non-compliance reports reveal what staff considers, common environmental problems found during construction. The main problems discovered is that companies often request inadequate temporary ROW or workspace within the certified construction area on slopes, in wetlands and near stream crossings. This creates situations wherein there is insufficient space for separation of topsoils and subsoils in wetlands and active agricultural fields. Insufficient workspace also promotes the unauthorized taking and use of lands outside the certified ROW and the unnecessary pollution of streams due to inadequate workspace for spoil storage. In response to these problems, Staff has modified its construction monitoring, and change processing procedures and is currently revising its in-house construction standards.

Keywords: Pipeline construction, ROW width, stream crossings, wetland crossings