# Erosion and Sediment Control

for natural gas pipeline projects

Presented By

Lauren R. Parker, P.E. Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.

May 13, 2014

## Federal Regulations

► Acts, Regulations, Laws, and Guidance Documents.........

▪ The Water Pollution Control Act of 1948

▪ The Clean Water Act was enacted in 1972

▪ Section 402 of the Act established the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).

▪ Energy Policy Act of 2005, which was published as a final rule by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on June 12, 2006

## State Regulations

► Pennsylvania

▪ Erosion, Sediment, and Stormwater General Permit (ESCGP

- 2)
► WV

▪ Construction Stormwater General Permit (done completely online)
► New York

▪ Moratorium on drilling, so no permit in place
► Maryland

▪ Moratorium on drilling, so no permit in place
► Ohio

▪ Does not have a specific earth disturbance permit for natural gas projects.

## Planning

► Pipeline Due Diligence Checklist

▪ Obtain the approximate pipeline route, right

- of

- way width, access road locations (are there existing roads that can be utilized?), extra work space areas, permanent pad locations (meter, launcher, drip, etc.) and desired study corridor from the Owner/Operator

▪ Identify streams and wetlands and the methods to be used for the crossings (open cut or bore)

▪ Identify any cultural resource field issues

▪ Identify any issues related to threatened and endangered species

▪ Identify road crossings and the methods to be used for crossings (open cut or bore)

## Planning (contd.)

► Pipeline Due Diligence Checklist

▪ Identify utility markers, utility poles, and overhead lines, and other potential conflicts (existing well pads, impoundments, etc.). Notify utility service providers in the area of the proposed project and request additional information on their service in the area of the project. Complete a One Call Notification in accordance with State Requirements.

▪ Present findings and identified issues with the pipeline route to the Owner/Operator.

▪ Modify and develop final route (frequently involves additional field work)

▪ Present pipeline layout and grading plan with the Owner/Operator

▪ Prepare erosion and sedimentation control design

## Construction Schedule

► When possible, avoid construction in winter and early spring

► Try to construct during the dry summer months

► Winter construction

- can’t get vegetation established and frozen soil

## Construction Sequence

► Reduce the amount of area disturbed at any one time

## Stabilize Immediately

► Install erosion control blankets, sprayed hydroseeding /mulch, and seed and mulch immediately.

► This helps to prevent soil from being eroded through wind, rain drops, stormwater runoff

► Right of way restoration is key to eliminating erosion and subsequent sedimentation

## Rock Construction Entrance

► Used at all entry and exit points

► Knocks dirt off of vehicles before they enter the public roadway WRONG CORRECT

## Compost Filter Sock & Silt Fence

► Install compost filter sock or silt fence parallel to contours to intercept sediment laden runoff prior to leaving the project area

Not working

## Trench Plugs

► Breaks the trench into smaller segments to limit the
stormwater inside the open trench which can cause scour.

► Additionally, trench plugs are used to prevent water within the open trench from flowing in a stream or wetland and to prevent the stream or wetland from draining into the trench Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Soil and Water Resources Pipeline Standard and Construction Specifications (12

- 3

- 13) Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Program Manual (March 2012)

## Waterbars

► When the right of way is running perpendicular to contour, waterbars act to split up the slope into smaller drainage areas. This diverts the runoff off of the right of way prior to it becoming concentrated which can cause erosion

► Water bars should outlet to a compost filter sock, straw bales, or other E&S control BMP to filter sediment out of the runoff Waterbars not working

## Filter bag

► Removes sediment from runoff.

► Used in conjunction with a pump

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Program Manual (March 2012) Photo from: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Program Manual (March 2012)

### Reduced right of way at stream and wetland crossings

► Reduce the right of way if possible to limit impacts

► Bore if necessary

► Use timber mats or wetlands mats for equipment crossing

► For streams, complete in 24 or 48 hours per PADEP E&S Manual

## Maintenance and Removal of E&S Controls

After the site is stabilized, don’t forget to remove the E&S controls!! Controls won’t function properly if they aren’t maintained

## Conclusion

► Design professionals practicing in the oil and natural gas industry need to be aware of and very familiar with many federal, state, and local regulations. Upfront planning and proper design by design professionals is paramount to assisting the oil and natural gas industry in completing their projects in a timely and environmentally sound

manner.

► QUESTIONS?