Required Permits and Concurrences for the Des Moines Pipeline Project

Strategic Insights -

The Iowa Public Utilities Commission has outlined the necessary permits and concurrences for the Des Moines pipeline project, aiming to ensure compliance with environmental and historical preservation regulations. The project's proponents, Trailblazer, will need to navigate the permitting process, which involves securing approval from various state and federal agencies. This process is expected to take several months, with key milestones including Section 106 consultations with the State Historical Preservation Office and securing a Nationwide Permit from the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The IDNR NPDES General Permit No. 9 for Trench Dewatering is required, with an estimated approval timeline of 3-4 months and a target submittal of 60-90 days prior to construction.
  • The IDNR Section 401 Water Quality Certification is granted through a memorandum of understanding between the USACE and IDNR, with an estimated approval timeline of 3-4 months and a target submittal of Q1 2025.
  • The SHPO National Historical Preservation Act ("NHPA") Section 106 Consultation requires coordination throughout the project, with consultations commencing within 30-60 days of USACE PCN submittal.
  • Trailblazer may be required to obtain a Water Use Permit from IDNR or file for a Registration of Minor Nonrecurring Use of Water under the water allocation program, depending on the hydrostatic test plan.

Statistics:

  • 3-4 months: estimated approval timeline for IDNR NPDES General Permit No. 9 for Trench Dewatering
  • 60-90 days: target submittal for IDNR NPDES General Permit No. 9 for Trench Dewatering prior to construction
  • Q1 2025: target submittal for IDNR Section 401 Water Quality Certification
  • 30-60 days: consulatation timeline for SHPO National Historical Preservation Act ("NHPA") Section 106 Consultation
  • 25,000 gallons: water use threshold for hydrostatic testing requiring a Water Use Permit from IDNR
  • 1 year: duration threshold for water use permitting requirements under the water allocation program

Sources:

  • Iowa Public Utilities Commission
  • IDNR (Iowa Department of Natural Resources)
  • USACE (United States Army Corps of Engineers)
  • SHPO (State Historical Preservation Office)
  • Trailblazer