PIPA General 
Increase Your Community's Resilience from Pipeline Hazards
Transmission pipeline failures present risks that may impact people, property, the environment, and economies beyond the edges of pipeline rights-of-way.
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| Manage Development Near Pipelines | Learn More | |
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This picture depicts an example of a development adjacent to a transmission pipeline right-of-way that was constructed without consultation among property developer/owner, transmission pipeline operator and local government. Note the encroachment of the fence on the transmission pipeline right-of-way. Property owners are prohibited from installing large landscaping, patios or other structures on transmission pipeline rights-of-way. The fence obstructs the pipeline operator’s ability to inspect and maintain the pipeline and could impede emergency access. With proper, advance consultation and planning between the stakeholders in the initial platting stage, these types of encroachments could have been prevented. Also note that the truck on the right in this picture presents the potential for heavy vehicular encroachment over the pipeline. This could damage the pipeline and any such encroachment should be coordinated with the pipeline operator. |
PIPA Tools for Local Governments
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Partnering to Further Enhance Pipeline Safety in Communities Through Risk-Informed Land Use Planning |
Building Safe Communities: Pipeline Risk and its Application to Local Development Decisions |
Summary Report for Elected and Appointed County Officials. Prepared by the National Association of Counties (NACo) to help build county official’s awareness and capacity to improve transmission pipeline safety. |
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Evaluation Worksheet for Local Governments. This can be used to perform gap analyses comparing the community’s current related practices to the PIPA recommended practices. |
Land Development in Close Proximity to Transmission Pipelines. A brochure for local governments regarding the PIPA Recommended Practices. |
Land Use and Development Near Transmission Pipelines: Checklist for Planning, Design, Communication, Permitting, and Site Plan Review |
Recommended Practices for Local Government
BL01 Obtain Transmission Pipeline Mapping Data
Local government agencies responsible for land use and development planning or the issuance of development permits should obtain mapping data for all transmission pipelines within their areas of jurisdiction from PHMSA's National Pipeline Mapping System or from the transmission pipeline operators and show these pipelines on maps used for development planning.
BL03 Utilize Information Regarding Development around Transmission Pipelines
Transmission pipeline operators should provide information about their pipelines to local governments and property developers/owners who are planning development around their pipelines. Local government authorities regulating development should use this information to establish requirements regarding land use and development around transmission pipelines.
BL04 Adopt Transmission Pipeline Consultation Zone Ordinance
Local governments should adopt land development procedures requiring property developers/owners to consult with transmission pipeline operators early in the development process, so that development designs minimize risks to the populace living or working nearby and are consistent with the needs and legal rights of the operators.
BL05 Define Transmission Pipeline Consultation Zone
Local governments should define a "consultation zone" to provide a mechanism for communication between property developers/owners and operators of nearby transmission pipelines when new land uses and property developments are being planned.
BL06 Implement New Development Planning Areas around Transmission Pipelines
Local governments should consider implementing "planning areas" to enhance safety when new land use and property development is planned near transmission pipelines.
BL14 Participate to Improve State Excavation Damage Prevention Programs
All pipeline safety stakeholders should participate in the work of organizations seeking to make improvements to state excavation damage prevention programs, especially efforts to reduce exemptions from participation in one-call systems.
BL16 Halt Dangerous Excavation Activities near Transmission Pipelines
Transmission pipeline operators should have procedures and established contacts with local enforcement personnel in order to act appropriately to halt dangerous excavation activities that may damage their pipelines and potentially cause an immediate threat to life or property.
ND06 Require Consideration of Transmission Pipeline Facilities in Land Development Design
Whenever development is proposed on property containing transmission pipeline facilities, local governments should require that the submitted land development plans address in detail the steps necessary to safely integrate the transmission pipeline into the design of the project.
ND07 Define Blanket Easement Agreements When Necessary
Upon request by the landowner, a transmission pipeline easement agreement may be defined to an acceptable, reasonable, and safe width and explicit location. State statutes or local government regulations may require easements to be defined prior to the approval of rezoning, subdivision plats and development permits.
ND08 Collaborate on Alternate Use and Development of Transmission Pipeline Right-of-Way
Property developers/owners, local governments and transmission pipeline operators may collaborate on alternative use of the transmission pipeline right-of-way and related maintenance.
ND09 Provide Flexibility for Developing Open Space along Transmission Pipeline Rights-of-Way
Local governments should consider allowing site planning flexibility in the development of commercial, industrial or residential property whenever a transmission pipeline is located in, or in close proximity to, the proposed development.
ND10 Record Transmission Pipeline Easements on Development Plans and Final Plats
Local governments should require all recorded development plans and final plats to clearly show the location of transmission pipeline easements and identify the pipeline operators.
ND11 Reduce Transmission Pipeline Risk through Design and Location of New Parking Lots and Parking Structures
Parking lots and parking structures should be preferentially located and designed to reduce the consequences that could result from a transmission pipeline incident and to reduce potential interference with transmission pipeline maintenance and inspections.
ND12 Reduce Transmission Pipeline Risk through Design and Location of New Roads
Roads and associated appurtenances should be preferentially located and designed to reduce the consequences that could result from a transmission pipeline incident and reduce the potential of interference with pipeline operations and maintenance.
ND13 Reduce Transmission Pipeline Risk through Design and Location of New Utilities and Related Infrastructure
Utilities (both above and below ground) and related infrastructure should be preferentially located and designed to reduce the consequences that could result from a transmission pipeline incident and to reduce the potential of interference with transmission pipeline maintenance and inspections.
ND14 Reduce Transmission Pipeline Risk through Design and Location of Aboveground Water Management Infrastructure
Storm water and irrigation water management facilities, retention ponds, and other above-ground water management infrastructure should be preferentially located and designed to reduce the consequences that could result from a transmission pipeline incident and to reduce the potential of interference with transmission pipeline operations and maintenance.
ND15 Plan and Locate Vegetation to Prevent Interference with Transmission Pipeline Activities
Trees and other vegetation should be planned and located to reduce the potential of interference with transmission pipeline operations, maintenance, and inspections.
ND16 Locate and Design Water Supply and Sanitary Systems to Prevent Contamination and Excavation Damage
Individual water supplies (water wells), small public/private water systems and sanitary disposal systems (septic tanks, leach or drain fields) should be designed and located to prevent excavation damage to transmission pipelines, interference with transmission pipeline maintenance and inspections, and environmental contamination in the event of a transmission pipeline incident.
ND17 Reduce Transmission Pipeline Risk in New Development for Residential, Mixed-Use, and Commercial Land Use
New development within a transmission pipeline planning area (see PIPA Recommended Practice BL06) should be designed and buildings located to reduce the consequences that could result from a transmission pipeline incident and to provide adequate access to the pipeline for operations and maintenance.
ND18 Consider Transmission Pipeline Operation Noise and Odor in Design and Location of Residential, Mixed-Use, and Commercial Land Use Development
Consider noise, odor and other issues when planning and locating developments near above-ground transmission pipeline facilities, such as compressor stations, pumping stations, odorant equipment, regulator stations and other pipeline appurtenances.
ND19 Reduce Transmission Pipeline Risk through Design and Location of New Industrial Land Use Development
New industrial land use development within a transmission pipeline planning area (see PIPA Recommended Practice BL06) should be designed and buildings located to reduce the consequences that could result from a transmission pipeline incident and reduce the potential of interference with transmission pipeline operations and maintenance.
ND20 Reduce Transmission Pipeline Risk through Location, Design, and Construction of New Institutional Land Use Developments
New development of institutional facilities that may be difficult to evacuate within a transmission pipeline planning area (see PIPA Recommended Practice BL06) should be designed and the facilities located and constructed to reduce the consequences that could result from a transmission pipeline incident. Such facilities should also be located to reduce the potential of interference with transmission pipeline operations and maintenance activities. Emergency plans for these facilities should consider potential transmission pipeline incidents.
ND21 Reduce Transmission Pipeline Risk through Design and Location of New Public Safety and Enforcement Facilities
New development of emergency responder facilities within a transmission pipeline planning area (see PIPA Recommended Practice BL06) should be designed and the facilities located and constructed to reduce the consequences that could result from a transmission pipeline incident. Such facilities should also be designed and located to avoid the potential of interference with pipeline operations and maintenance. Planning for these facilities should include emergency plans that consider the effects of a transmission pipeline incident.
ND22 Reduce Transmission Pipeline Risk through Design and Location of New Places of Mass Public Assembly (Future Identified Sites)
New development of places of potential mass public assembly within a transmission pipeline planning area (see PIPA Recommended Practice BL06) should be designed and the facilities located and constructed to reduce the consequences of a potential transmission pipeline incident, the risk of excavation damage to the pipeline, and the potential of interference with transmission pipeline operations and maintenance. Planning for these facilities should include emergency plans that consider the effects of a potential pipeline incident.
ND23 Consider Site Emergency Response Plans in Land Use Development
Emergency response plan requirements should be considered in new land use development within a planning area (see PIPA Recommended Practice BL06) to reduce the risks of a transmission pipeline incident.
ND24 Install Temporary Markers on Edge of Transmission Pipeline Right-of-Way Prior to Construction Adjacent to Right-of-Way
The property developer/owner should install temporary right-of-way (ROW) survey markers or fencing on the edge of the transmission pipeline ROW or buffer zone, as determined by the transmission pipeline operator, prior to construction to provide a clearly defined boundary. The property developer/owner should ensure that the temporary markers or fencing are maintained throughout the course of construction.
ND25 Contact Transmission Pipeline Operator Prior to Excavating or Blasting
Anyone planning to conduct excavating, blasting and/or seismic activities should consult with affected transmission pipeline operators well in advance of commencing these activities. Excavating and blasting have the potential to affect soil stability or lead to movement or settling of the soil surrounding the transmission pipeline.
ND26 Use, Document, Record and Retain Encroachment Agreements or Permits
Encroachment agreements should be used, documented, recorded and retained when a transmission pipeline operator agrees to allow a property developer/owner or local government to encroach on the pipeline right-of-way for a long or perpetual duration in a manner that conflicts with the activities allowed on the easement.
ND27 Use, Document and Retain Letters of No Objection and Conditional Approval Letters
Transmission pipeline operators may use, document and retain "letters of no objection" in agreeing to land use activities on or near a transmission pipeline right-of-way. Such land uses may or may not be temporary.