Wastewater Treatment
Shale Law Weekly Review—Week of March 11, 2024
Pipelines: Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Publishes Updated Safety Standards for Intrastate HVL Transport ⚡
On February 22, 2024, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) published a Final Form Rulemaking Order (FFRO) to establish state specific safety standards for the intrastate transport of highly volatile liquids (HVLs) by public utilities. The FFRO amends the standards currently outlined in 52 Pa. Code §§ 59.1—59.111. Among the updated safety standards are revamped processes for reporting accidents and notification the PUC and community members of construction. The FFRO also adds spacing and location requirements for where construction on new and existing pipelines can […]
Shale Law Weekly Review – June 16, 2020
Pipelines: Court of Appeals Reverses Lower Court Decision on Enbridge Line 5 Pipeline
On June 5, 2020, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit reversed a district court decision that determined the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) had acted improperly in approving the emergency response plans for the Enbridge Line 5 Pipeline. The district court had held PHMSA was required to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA) before it could approve emergency response plans for pipelines. (Nat’l Wildlife Fed’n v. Sec’y of the U.S. Dep’t of Transp., Nos. 19-1609/1610). The Court […]
Shale Law Weekly Review – April 23, 2019
State Regulation: Colorado Governor Signs New Oil and Gas Regulations into Law
On April 16, 2019, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed into law SB19-181, Protect Public Welfare Oil and Gas Operations. The new law amends the purpose of the state’s Oil and Gas Conservation Act by prioritizing public health, safety, welfare, and the environment when regulating oil and gas development. Notably, the bill provides local governments with greater authority to regulate the siting of drilling operations, inspect facilities, and impose fines for spills (p.1-2). In addition, the bill requires drillers to continuously monitor their air pollution and minimize their […]
