Louisiana Pipeline Information Website - Pipeline Info for Local Government

Pipeline Information for Local Government

For the most part the regulatory authority for the siting and safety of pipelines falls upon the federal government, and to a lesser extent state government. Yet local government has to respond to pipeline emergencies, and local government is where citizens often turn for answers to pipeline questions. One area where local government does play an important role in pipeline safety is through zoning and land use rule making. Transmission pipelines were once built mainly in rural areas, but as our cities and towns expand outward new businesses and housing developments are encroaching on pipeline right-of-ways. Often entities such as local school boards or hospitals have little or no knowledge of pipelines, so it is important that local communities think about the siting of such structures near pipelines. Below are some strategies that communities are starting to embrace, along with links of where to get more information.

Setbacks
One way that many communities have started to protect both their citizens and the pipelines is by passing setback ordinances that designate the minimum distance that different types of buildings can be built near a pipeline. To review some sample and actual setback ordinances click here.

Disclosure Requirements
There have been situations around the country where people have bought property only to find out later that there are existing or proposed pipeline right-of-ways on or near that property. This has caused much unnecessary conflict between property owners, pipeline operators, local government, and real estate professionals. One very basic way to avoid such conflict is to ensure that those buying property have been clearly notified about the right-of-ways that exist so they can make an informed decision about buying such property. Some states and local government have passed disclosure laws to ensure such clear notification. To review some sample disclosure laws click here.

Emergency Responder Training
Numerous national, state, and private organizations have prepared training information or provide in-person training programs for emergency responders to better prepare them for responding to a variety of pipeline emergency situations. To find out more about these programs click here.