Weld County advances emergency-plan rule for hydrocarbon pipelines

Weld County commissioners approved on first reading an ordinance that would require emergency action plans for all pipelines installed within or crossing county rights-of-way to transport hydrocarbons.

The proposed requirement includes natural gas, crude oil and produced water pipelines. Many pipelines use the right-of-way permit process, which could help the county obtain emergency plans from a large number of them, a staff member told commissioners. Most pipelines already have an emergency plan available, so the requirement would not delay permitting, the staff member said.

The ordinance would also remove language about holding current certificates of public convenience and necessity issued by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission. A presenter said that wording dealt with a different issue. The presenter credited Amy with suggesting language to add to the right-of-way permit rules to address the concern.

Commissioner Jason Maxey asked whether the requirement should extend to hydrocarbon derivatives or other utility and pipeline crossings, including water lines. The staff member said emergency plans are usually requested for larger pipelines, including water lines, particularly for open-cut road closures or larger bores. Maxey noted that water and other pipelines might not carry materials that raise the same concerns as hydrocarbons. “I'm good with it as written,” Maxey said, suggesting a brief discussion with Roy before the second reading about broadening the requirement.