Guidelines Determining Land Use Within Transmission Pipeline Easements

Transcription

1 Guidelines Determining Land Use Within Transmission Pipeline Easements September 3, 2013 Revised

2 Pipeline Safety As the provider of natural gas to more than 1 million customers in rth Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, it is our responsibility to provide safe and reliable energy to the communities we serve. This requires us to transport natural gas through a network of pipelines that may be located near or on property that belongs to natural gas customers as well as non-customers. Written agreements or easements between landowners and pipeline companies allow pipeline companies to construct and maintain the pipeline rights-of-way across privately-owned property. Managing land use activities is a challenge for all stakeholders. Improper land use activities can contribute to the occurrence of a transmission pipeline incident, serious injury or even death. PIEDMONT takes the safe operation of our infrastructures seriously, which includes protecting your property and the environment. Encroachment Permit and Application Process Written permission must be obtained from PIEDMONT prior to any excavation activity within our easements. Development and/or project plan review and authorization (Encroachment Permit) along with certain safety steps are required. Encroachment Permits are necessary to ensure that communication occurs and all parties have appropriate and complete information, and to ensure continued safe operation of PIEDMONT s natural gas transmission facilities. To initiate the permitting process, the Project Owner must either: contact a local Piedmont representative or call Piedmont s Customer Contact Center at or submit an encroachment request and plans via at LandTransmissionROW@piedmontng.com Prior to actual construction, the Project Owner must: obtain an executed encroachment permit provide timely notification to the local Piedmont Resource Center, as instructed and have the permit on site during construction. ALWAYS notify 811 (OneCall) for location of existing facilities in the construction area, as required by law. More information can be found on our website Piedmontng.com under About Piedmont/Public Awareness and Safety/Right-of-Way. Guidelines Determining Proper Land Use within Transmission Pipeline Easements The following are Guidelines to increase the awareness of PIEDMONT S requirements and encourage early communication among key stakeholders when considering changes to existing land use or new land use development within an existing PIEDMONT transmission pipeline easement. This table provides a list of common land use activities and is only meant to provide general guidance in determining whether the proposed land use is acceptable or not. The application of these rules may vary based on site-specific conditions, PIEDMONT operation and maintenance procedures, and evolving safety regulations and concerns. Stakeholders should consult with PIEDMONT for final determination of acceptable land uses within its pipeline easements. Revised September 3, 2013 Page 2 of 14

3 Table of Contents ACCESS ROAD - TEMPORARY... 6 AGRICULTURE... 6 AIRSTRIP PRIVATE... 6 AIRPORTS PUBLIC... 6 ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES... 6 ATHLETIC STADIUM... 6 AUTOMOBILE WRECKING YARDS... 6 BIO RETENTION CELLS, CATCH RETENTION OR DETENTION BASINS... 6 BLASTING... 6 BUILDINGS... 6 CAMPSITES... 6 CANALS/DITCHES (PERPENDICULAR)... 6 CANOPIES TEMPORARY... 6 CANOPIES PERMANENT... 6 CARPORTS - PERMANENT... 7 CATCH BASINS (STORM WATER INLETS)... 7 CATHODIC PROTECTION DEVICES... 7 CEMETERIES (INCLUDING PETS)... 7 CONCRETE SLABS... 7 CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT... 7 CULVERTS... 7 CUTS AND FILLS... 7 DAMS... 7 DRIVEWAYS... 7 DUMPS/LANDFILLS... 7 EROSION CONTROL... 7 EXPLORATION GEOLOGIC AND GEOPHYSICAL... 7 FENCES PARALLEL TO ROW... 7 FENCES PERPENDICULAR TO ROW... 8 FLAMMABLE MATERIAL... 8 FLOODING... 8 Revised September 3, 2013 Page 3 of 14

4 GREENWAYS... 8 HIGHWAYS... 9 HORSEBACK RIDING TRAILS (PERPENDICULAR CROSSING ONLY)... 9 INCINERATORS... 9 IRRIGATION SYSTEMS... 9 JUNK YARDS... 9 LANDSCAPING... 9 LEACH FIELDS... 9 LOADING RAMPS... 9 MARINAS... 9 MASONRY WORK... 9 MINI GOLF COURSES... 9 MOBILE HOME PARKS... 9 MOBILE HOME SINGLE UNIT... 9 MODEL AIRPLANES... 9 ORCHARDS... 9 PARKING... 9 PARKS PATIOS PIPELINES (PERPENDICULAR CROSSING) PLAY EQUIPMENT PONDS/LAKES PORCHES POWER LINES OVERHEAD (PERPENDICULAR CROSSINGS) PUMPS PUMP ISLANDS QUARRIES AND STRIP MINING RAILROADS RECREATION AREAS RETAINING WALLS RIFLE RANGES ROADS PARALLEL ROADS PUBLIC OR PRIVATE (PERPENDICULAR CROSSINGS) Revised September 3, 2013 Page 4 of 14

5 SEPTIC DRAIN SYSTEMS SEPTIC TANKS SERVICE STATIONS SIGNS SPRINKLER SYSTEMS (UNDERGROUND) STOCK PILES STORAGE OF EARTH STORAGE STORM DRAINS STRUCTURES (SHEDS, BUILDINGS) SUBDIVISIONS SWIMMING POOLS (BUILT-IN AND ABOVE GROUND) TANKS TENNIS COURTS TRAILS TRASH BURNERS TREE FARMS UTILITIES CROSSING PERPENDICULAR UTILITIES - PARALLEL VAULTS WADING POOLS WEIGHING STATIONS WELLS WRECKING YARDS Revised September 3, 2013 Page 5 of 14

6 Access Road - Temporary Agriculture Seasonal agricultural crops Airstrip Private perpendicular crossing Airports Public All-Terrain Vehicles (includes recreational vehicles) Athletic Stadium (Baseball or football fields, running tracks, etc.) Automobile Wrecking Yards Bio retention Cells, Catch Retention or Detention Basins Blasting See Construction Equipment Heavy Equipment Crossing EXCLUDES ORCHARDS, VINEYARDS AND TREE FARMS OR NURSERIES. Activities related to the growing of crops, provided the activity does not involve installation of permanent structures or an increase or decrease in cover over pipeline(s). Underground and overhead irrigation systems must be reviewed for compatibility. Does not involve any increase or decrease in cover over pipeline or the installation of any permanent structures, including pavement. Buildings type of permanent structure is permitted (see Structures ) Campsites Canals/Ditches (Perpendicular) May be allowed across ROW provided precautions are taken to protect pipeline facilities and must be approved by PIEDMONT Engineering. Canopies temporary (TENTS, CANVAS AWNINGS OR PORTABLE COVERINGS FOR GROUP GATHERINGS) Canopies permanent (weather and environmental shelters i.e. over gas stations, emergency rooms, entrances, drive-through covers for banks or fast food restaurants) Revised September 3, 2013 Page 6 of 14

7 Carports - permanent type of permanent structure permitted (see Structures ) Catch Basins (storm water inlets) Cathodic Protection Devices Cemeteries (including pets) Concrete Slabs (foundations, poured for permanent structures, equipment or storage) Construction Equipment (Heavy equipment crossings) Culverts Cuts and Fills Dams Driveways Dumps/Landfills (Garbage, construction debris, etc.) Erosion Control Exploration Geologic and Geophysical Fences Parallel to ROW See Bio retention Cell May be installed provided they are coordinated with other utilities and all interference problems are eliminated. This use requires approval by PIEDMONT s cathodic protection department. May be exceptions if installed to provide transmission pipeline protection from third-party damage (with plan approval) or for crossings such as driveways or roads. See Road, Driveways, Road Crossings and Structures. PIEDMONT supervision required while work is in progress. 3 working days notice is required prior to performing any work and contact 811 for utility locate. Separation per PIEDMONT policy must be maintained with culvert. 24 inches of clearance is required. May be allowed if maintenance of PIEDMONT minimum coverage requirements met. 48 inches of cover is required. Existing cover must be maintained. See roads: public or private Structures or materials to prevent soil erosion due to wind or water may be located on pipeline ROW provided: 1) They do not interfere with operation, inspection, maintenance and emergency response and repair activities, 2) The design is approved by PIEDMONT Engineering and environmental departments, 3) The facilities have taken into account the effect of the environment of the area. Subject to proper indemnification and site cleanup. Design must be approved by PIEDMONT Engineering. (See Blasting, Construction Equipment and Wells) Revised September 3, 2013 Page 7 of 14

8 Fences Perpendicular to ROW Flammable Material Flooding Greenways All fence crossings shall be accompanied with gates. 1) In general, no masonry or brick fences are allowed. 2) Adequate access to and around pipeline facilities must be maintained to allow contiguous access for maintenance, routine inspections and to facilitate emergency response. 3) When fencing entire yards, the gates shall be perpendicular to the pipeline within the easement. Installation of gates shall be required with a PIEDMONT lock (double lock) where necessary to maintain such access. 4) Gates shall be 16 feet wide to accommodate equipment access. 5) FENCE POSTS must not be installed directly over the pipeline and a minimum of three (3) feet of horizontal and vertical clearance shall be maintained between pipeline and any fencing appurtenances such as fence posts. 6) 811 (utilities locator) must be notified prior to installation and the presence of a PIEDMONT Representative is required for fence installation. 1) Adequate precautions should be taken to prevent erosion. 2) permanent structures allowed. This includes but is not limited to, shelters, benches, tables, water fountains, restroom facilities, and bridges. 3) Paths and trails can only be used for non-motorized use with the exception of maintenance, emergency, or law enforcement vehicles. 4) Paths may be constructed of dirt, gravel, asphalt, wood chips, bark, or other types of permeable surface material. Maximum path width is 15% of total ROW width. 5) removal of soil is allowed. Fill or any grade adjustments must be approved. 6) Any stream or tributary crossings in the ROW that require any type of bridge or permanent structure will need to be constructed outside of ROW. 7) Utility markers may not be removed. 8) vegetation may be added to the ROW that would interfere with the aerial or physical inspection of the utility ROW. 9) Greenways must be approved by PIEDMONT Engineering. 10) See also Cuts and Fills and Trails. Revised September 3, 2013 Page 8 of 14

9 Highways Horseback Riding Trails (Perpendicular crossing only) Incinerators Irrigation Systems Junk Yards Landscaping Where a highway is widened to take in an area where PIEDMONT has a prior ROW, PIEDMONT may require reimbursement for that portion of the work that falls in the area where PIEDMONT has prior rights. Provided adequate access to facilities is maintained. See also Cuts and Fills. Crossings of pipeline must be kept to a minimum. Sprinkler heads must be set outside of the ROW. Due consideration must be given to cathodic protection interference. See also Sprinkler Systems (underground). Provided reasonable access to pipeline facilities is maintained. See Cuts and Fills for earthwork requirements. Shrubs should not interfere with pipeline patrolling or inspection activities. Mature growth height on all plant material shall not exceed 4 feet in order to maintain visibility within ROW. Leach Fields In general, piping leading to leach field may cross pipeline (see Pipelines). The entire leach field must be outside the ROW. Loading Ramps See also Concrete Slabs Marinas Marinas may not be installed on pipeline ROW at river crossings. Masonry Work Mini Golf Courses (putt-putt courses) Mobile Home Parks approval See also Subdivisions Mobile Home Single Unit permanent structure is allowed in ROW. Model Airplanes Model airplanes may be flown over the ROW but no permanent facilities may be located on the ROW. Orchards See Landscaping Parking PIEDMONT will not accept liability for damage to parking facilities caused by the exercise of our rights under the easement. Only PIEDMONT approved permeable pavers shall be used by developer/owner for any paved parking surface within the ROW (excluding road and sidewalk crossings at right angles). Pavers shall not be joined to allow for easy removal and replacement if needed during inspection, maintenance, and emergency response and Revised September 3, 2013 Page 9 of 14

10 repair activities. If permeable pavers are not desired, PIEDMONT may approve 15% of the ROW to be paved with a solid surface, while leaving an open strip which shall preserve the identity of the facility. Parks Patios Pipelines (perpendicular crossing) The ROW may be used as part of a park area, but permanent structures may not be located on the ROW. Specific plan review is required. Grills (temporary or permanent or open flames are prohibited. See Flammable Material. Generally granted provided: 1) Crossing is kept as close to a right angle as possible; 2) Crossing maintains twenty-four (24) inches of clearance; 3) All installations shall be excavated NOT BORED; 4) PIEDMONT representative must be on site during installation; 5) All installations shall be excavated and no mechanical excavation permitted within five (5) feet of pipeline without express authorization of PIEDMONT representative on-site, which authorization will be given after visual inspection of the pipeline; 6) Depth of pipeline crossing is be maintained for full distance across PIEDMONT ROW; 7) Electrical power and communication cables will be encased for the entire width of PIEDMONT ROW. A non-conducting casing will be used for encasement unless otherwise approved by PIEDMONT; 8) Water and sewer lines will be PVC unless previously approved by PIEDMONT. Such approval will require additional review due to cathodic protection concerns if metallic material is proposed; 9) Pipeline crossings above PIEDMONT pipeline are strongly discouraged; 10) Crossing meets all Federal, State and local requirements with respect to safety and environment; 11) Installation makes provisions for future use of PIEDMONT ROW. BLASTING, PARALLEL ENCROACHMENTS AND SEPTIC TANKS AND/OR DRAIN FIELDS ARE PROHIBITED WITHIN ROW. See Blasting and Utilities Perpendicular Crossings; 12) facility structures shall be permitted within right of way such as manholes, communication or TV pedestals, vaults, valves/valve boxes, transformers, poles, towers, barricades, manual operators, test stations, electronic equipment, equipment sheds/building, drainage basins, footings for any above ground structures, etc. Revised September 3, 2013 Page 10 of 14

11 Play Equipment Ponds/Lakes Porches Power Lines Overhead (perpendicular crossings) Pumps Pump Islands (Fuel pumps for automobile service stations, general transportation refueling stations). permanent structure may be installed on ROW. Play equipment without embedded footings or foundations may be allowed. Power lines may be installed across the ROW provided: 1) Crossings will be installed with a minimum of thirty (30) feet of vertical clearance above the PIEDMONT ROW; 2) Crossings will not be installed within twenty-five (25) feet, measured horizontally, of any gas vent (e.g. relief valve, blow down vent); 3) Crossing will be at an angle as near to 90 degrees as possible. PARALLEL CROSSINGS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED. In addition, all local utility minimum clearances must be adhered to. 4) Post Installation tice: Project Owner shall notify Piedmont as soon a possible, but no later than 30 days following activation of the proposed/newly installed overhead electric transmission line facility so Piedmont can conduct proper field testing to check for potential induced A/C current. te that Project Owner shall be responsible for any subsequent costs incurred by Piedmont for induced A/C electric current mitigation post installation of the overhead electric transmission facility. Quarries and Strip Mining Quarrying activities not on but in proximity to the ROW should be brought to the attention of PIEDMONT for assessment of potential impacts to the integrity of the ROW and pipeline facilities. See Blasting. Railroads Recreation Areas Retaining Walls Railroad crossings are permitted, provided the railroad company agrees to pay the cost to upgrade or protect the pipeline. Clearances must be provided as required in Cuts and Fills. ROW may be used for general recreation that does not require the use of any permanent structures or facilities. See Parks. Provided adequate access to facilities is maintained and Cuts and Fills criteria is maintained. Design must be reviewed and approved by PIEDMONT Engineering. Revised September 3, 2013 Page 11 of 14

12 Rifle Ranges permanent structures may be located on PIEDMONT ROW. Roads Parallel Roads Public or Private (perpendicular crossings) 1) Developer/owner pays for cost of protecting, upgrading or relocating pipeline if required; 2) PIEDMONT retains prior rights on roads dedicated to the state, county or city. 3) Crossings must be as nearly as possible at right angles to pipeline. 4) Existing cover shall be maintained over the pipeline at all points including side ditches, after construction is completed. 5) A minimum of forty-eight (48) inches of cover is required. 6) Any fill must have. slopes steeper than 4:1 will be allowed. Septic Drain Systems Septic Tanks Service Stations Signs Signs, except pipeline markers, are not allowed. Sprinkler Systems (underground) Stock Piles Storage of Earth Crossings of pipeline must be kept to a minimum. Sprinkler heads must be set outside the ROW. Due consideration must be given to cathodic protection interference. See Irrigation Systems. Storage PIEDMONT ROW cannot be designated as a storage area. Storm Drains Structures (sheds, buildings) Permanent structures are not allowed. Small outbuildings (e.g. sheds, playhouses) on blocks or without foundations are not allowed. See Buildings. Subdivisions The area over pipeline ROW may be subdivided provided: 1) permanent structures may be located on the ROW 2) Streets or roads cross the pipeline at right angles. Parallel encroachments (e.g. fences) are not allowed; 3) Multiple common fences are not allowed; 4) parallel property lines within ROW; 5) The requirements for Road Crossings, private or public, are met; 6) ROW is not used for a utility corridor; 7) Developer or person subdividing the property submits approved subdivision plans; 8) PIEDMONT Engineering review and approval Revised September 3, 2013 Page 12 of 14

13 Swimming Pools (built-in and above ground) required; and 9) Developer/Owner shall be responsible for conveying ROW restriction information to future homeowners. Small plastic kiddy type pools may be allowed. These types of portable pools are considered temporary and can be easily moved for pipeline activities, if necessary. Tanks above ground or underground tanks allowed. Tennis Courts Trails permanent structures allowed. Adequate precautions should be taken to prevent erosion. See Cuts and Fills and Greenways. Trash Burners Tree Farms See Landscaping. Utilities Crossing Perpendicular Generally granted provided: 1) Crossing is kept as close to a right angle as possible; 2) Crossing maintains twenty-four (24) inches of clearance; 3) All installations shall be excavated, NOT BORED; 4) PIEDMONT representative must be on site during installation; 5) All installations shall be excavated and no mechanical excavation permitted within five (5) feet of pipeline without express authorization of PIEDMONT representative on-site, which authorization will be given after visual inspection of the pipeline; 6) Depth of pipeline crossing is be maintained for full distance across PIEDMONT ROW; 7) Electrical power and communication cables will be encased for the entire width of PIEDMONT ROW. A non-conducting casing will be used for encasement unless otherwise provided by PIEDMONT; 8) Water and sewer lines will be PVC unless previously approved by PIEDMONT. Such approval will require additional review due to cathodic protection concerns if metallic material is proposed; 9) Pipeline crossings above PIEDMONT pipeline are strongly discouraged; 10) Crossing meets all Federal, State and local requirements with respect to safety and environment; 11) Installation shall make provisions for future use of PIEDMONT ROW. BLASTING, PARALLEL ENCROACHMENTS AND SEPTIC TANKS AND/OR DRAIN FIELDS ARE PROHIBITED WITHIN ROW. See Blasting and Pipelines Perpendicular Crossings. Revised September 3, 2013 Page 13 of 14

14 Utilities - Parallel 12) facility structures shall be permitted within ROW such as manholes, vaults, valves/valve boxes, drainage basins, barricades, manual operators, electronic equipment, test stations, equipment sheds/buildings, footings for above ground structures, etc. Vaults Wading Pools Small plastic kiddy type pools may be allowed. These types of portable pools are considered temporary and can be easily moved for pipeline activities if necessary. Weighing Stations Wells Wrecking Yards Revised September 3, 2013 Page 14 of 14