Background
RPCO possesses training, staffing and coordination abilities to handle large and complex linear projects such as FERC-regulated pipelines. RPCO is heavily involved with the permitting process for pipelines in Pennsylvania – particularly for Ch. 102 permitting, Ch. 105 permitting and, when necessary, State Water Quality Certifications.
However, it should be noted that there are different classes of pipelines which are handled by different DEP offices. RPCO only handles pipeline permit applications for:
- FERC-regulated pipeline projects
- Non-FERC regulated pipeline projects that traverse three or more counties and two or more regions.
For convenience, the table below provides a breakdown of which DEP offices handle different types of pipeline projects – including involvement of County Conservation Districts (CCDs).
| Type of Pipeline | Ch. 105 Permitting | State Water Quality Certification | Ch. 102 Permitting |
| FERC-Regulated Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline | RPCO | RPCO | RPCO (CCDs involved per Delegation Agreement) |
| Non-FERC Regulated Pipeline (one county) | Pertinent DEP Regional Office(s) | N/A | Delegated CCD(s) or Pertinent DEP Regional Office(s) |
| Non-FERC Regulated Pipeline (two counties and one region) | Pertinent DEP Regional Office(s) | N/A | Delegated CCD(s) or Pertinent DEP Regional Office(s) |
| Non-FERC Regulated Pipeline (two counties and two regions) | Pertinent DEP Regional Office(s) | N/A | Delegated CCD(s) or Pertinent DEP Regional Office(s) |
| Non-FERC Regulated Pipeline (three counties and one region) | Pertinent DEP Regional Office(s) | N/A | Delegated CCD(s) or Pertinent DEP Regional Office(s) |
| Non-FERC Regulated Pipeline (three+ counties and two+ regions) | RPCO | N/A | RPCO (CCDs involved per Delegation Agreement) |
| Gathering Pipelines (pipelines associated with production or storage wells) | Oil and Gas Program | N/A | Oil and Gas Program (No CCD involvement) |
| Distribution Pipelines | Pertinent DEP Regional Office(s) | N/A | Delegated CCD(s) or Pertinent DEP Regional Office(s) |
Due to the size and nature of the pipeline projects handles by RPCO, it is often necessary to coordinate with other agencies involved with pipelines including those listed below:
- Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission – Pipeline Safety Division (PUC)
- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
- Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
In Pennsylvania, all information related to multi-county pipeline projects are posted on a specific website known as the Pennsylvania Pipeline Portal. This allows timely, accurate and convenient information to be shared with any interested parties regarding these projects. For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Pipeline Portal.
Accordion
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Permitting for Pipeline Projects
- Handled in accordance with table above.
- Contact RPCO
- Contact Oil and Gas
- Contact DEP Regional Offices
- Project Submissions (Link No Longer Available)
Pipeline-related Guidance
- Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force (PITF)
- DEP Guidance/FAQ and RPCO Pipeline Fact Sheet (under development)
- Best Practices Manual for Pipeline Development (under development)
- 401 SWQC for Pipeline Projects (under development)
- Trenchless Technology TGD (under development)
- TT Assessment and Planning
- IR PPC Plan
- Water Supply PPC Plan
- Geologic Hazard PPC Plan (Karst, Mines, Voids)
Contact Information
Address:
PA Department of Environmental Protection
Regional Permit Coordination Office
400 Market Street
10th Floor Rachel Carson State Office Building
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Email: RA-EPREGIONALPERMIT@pa.gov
Phone: 717-772-5987
- Handled in accordance with table above.
- Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force (PITF)
- DEP Guidance/FAQ and RPCO Pipeline Fact Sheet (under development)
- Best Practices Manual for Pipeline Development (under development)
- 401 SWQC for Pipeline Projects (under development)
- Trenchless Technology TGD (under development)
- TT Assessment and Planning
- IR PPC Plan
- Water Supply PPC Plan
- Geologic Hazard PPC Plan (Karst, Mines, Voids)