N.J. Admin. Code § 7:7-12.15

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 11, June 3, 2024

Section 7:7-12.15 - Submerged pipelines

(a) Submerged pipelines (pipelines) are underwater pipelines which transmit liquids or gas, including crude oil, natural gas, water petroleum products or sewerage.

(b) Submerged pipelines are conditionally acceptable provided:

1. The pipelines are not sited within special areas, as defined at N.J.A.C. 7:7-9, unless no prudent and feasible alternate route exists;

2. Directional drilling is used unless it is demonstrated that the use of directional drilling is not feasible;

3. The pipeline is buried to a sufficient depth to avoid exposure or hazard;

4. All trenches are backfilled to preconstruction depth with naturally occurring sediment; and

5. The proposed development has been designed to minimize impacts to the water area.

(c) Rationale: The installation of submerged pipelines has the potential to disrupt the ecosystem in which they are placed and so is discouraged in environmentally sensitive areas. Due to the potential for disrupting the ecosystem, directional drilling is the preferred method for installing submerged pipelines.

Burial and backfilling must be sufficient to minimize damage to pipelines by currents, storm waves, sea clam dredges, anchors and other marine equipment. If a pipeline is not buried deep enough to avoid uncovering by erosion, it will be susceptible to breakage when left uncovered. Pipeline damage or breakage may result in the release of the transport substances into the ocean water with potentially adverse effects to the marine environment. Bottom contours must be reestablished following trenching and backfilling to maintain a stable bottom for the marine life found there.

N.J. Admin. Code § 7:7-12.15

Renumbered from 7:7E-4.14 by 47 N.J.R. 1392(a), effective 7/6/2015

Amended by 50 N.J.R. 361(a), effective 1/16/2018