Environmental Permitting for Pipeline Projects

Permitting for linear utility projects can be a key driver of schedule, alignment and usually cost. Early and proper management of permit identification and acquisition is a key element of a successful risk management strategy for any project. Permitting for linear pipeline projects presents unique and complicated challenges. This paper will discuss the challenges of permitting, strategies for managing permit acquisition, and perspectives on common permitting issues. Linear pipelines present a unique permitting challenge because they typically extend through multiple jurisdictions and, often, through resources with multiple local, state, and federal permitting agencies. Creating a permit acquisition strategy early in the planning phase can avoid delays in later stages of the project. Four key elements of environmental permitting that a pipeline project manager should understand are discussed in this paper. These are permit triggers, timing, cost and sequence.