On September 15, 2020, the United States Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) issued its “Proposal to Reissue and Modify Nationwide Permits” (Proposed Rule). Under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, the Corps issues nationwide permits (NWPs) that authorize activities that will result in no more than minimal individual and cumulative adverse environmental effects. These permits are designed to streamline the permitting process for certain activities, while also ensuring that jurisdictional waters are protected. Most significant to the oil and gas industry, the Corps proposes to (1) modify NWP 12 to be limited to the authorization of oil and natural gas pipeline activities, and (2) streamline and reduce pre-construction notice requirements for pipelines subject to NWP 12. The comment period under the proposed rule closes on November 16, 2020.
Continue Reading Corps Proposes to Modify Nationwide Permit 12 to Simplify Pre-Construction Notification for Pipelines
NWP 12
Court Limits Nationwide Permit 12 Vacatur to New Oil and Gas Pipeline Construction
By Catherine D. Little & Annie M. Cook on
The U.S. District Court for Montana amended and narrowed its April 15, 2020 order yesterday vacating Nationwide Permit (NWP) 12, which authorizes minimal impacts from “utility line activities” to jurisdictional waters. Despite the case centering on the Keystone XL Pipeline, as previously reported, the court’s April 15 order vacated NWP 12 nationwide for all activities (including pipelines, broadband, electric, water and sewer) until the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) consults with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service (Services) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Nearly a month later, the court amended the vacatur’s applicability by limiting it to the construction of new oil and gas pipelines, pending completion of the consultation process and compliance with all environmental statutes and regulations. Under the amended order, the Corps may continue to authorize the use of NWP 12 for “maintenance, inspection, and repair activities” on existing projects, including existing pipelines, as well as non-pipeline construction activities (e.g., broadband, electric, water, and sewer).
Continue Reading Court Limits Nationwide Permit 12 Vacatur to New Oil and Gas Pipeline Construction