Minn. R. agency 138, ch. 7852, pt. 7852.0200
This chapter is adopted under authority granted in Minnesota Statutes, section 216G.02, to implement review procedures for the routing of pipelines that give effect to the purposes of the act.
This chapter applies to pipelines defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 216G.02, unless excluded by statute or this chapter. This chapter does not set safety standards for the design or construction of pipelines. The issuance of a pipeline routing permit under Minnesota Statutes, section 216G.02, and this chapter for the subsequent purchase and use of a right-of-way with the route is the only site approval required to be obtained by the person owning or constructing the pipeline. The pipeline routing permit supersedes and preempts all zoning, building, or land use rules, regulations, or ordinances adopted by regional, county, local, or special purpose governments, as provided in Minnesota Statutes, section 216G.02, subdivision 4. The pipeline routing permit must not contravene applicable state or federal jurisdiction, rules, or regulations that govern safety standards for pipelines nor shall the permit set safety standards for the design or construction of pipelines.
Minnesota Statutes, section 216G.02, recognizes that pipeline location and restoration of the affected area after construction is important to citizens and their welfare and that the presence or location of a pipeline may have a significant impact on humans and the environment.
To properly assess and determine the location of a pipeline, it is necessary to understand the impact that a proposed pipeline project will have on the environment. Pipeline route designation procedures, proper pipeline right-of-way preparation, construction practices, and restoration of the affected area will lessen or mitigate the impacts of the proposed pipeline project on humans and the environment. The purpose of this chapter is to aid in the selection of a pipeline route and to aid in the understanding of its impacts and how those impacts may be reduced or mitigated through the preparation and review of information contained in pipeline routing permit applications and environmental review documents.
The process created by this chapter is designed to:
Minn. R. agency 138, ch. 7852, pt. 7852.0200
Statutory Authority: MS s 116I.015; 216G.02