18 C.F.R. § 380.15 Siting and maintenance requirements.
Title 18 - Conservation of Power and Water Resources
(a) Avoidance or minimization of effects. The siting, construction, and maintenance of facilities shall be undertaken in a way that avoids or minimizes effects on scenic, historic, wildlife, and recreational values. (b) Landowner consideration. The desires of landowners should be taken into account in the planning, locating, clearing, and maintenance of rights-of-way and the construction of facilities on their property, so long as the result is consistent with applicable requirements of law, including laws relating to land-use and any requirements imposed by the Commission. (c) Safety regulations. The requirements of this paragraph do not affect a project sponsor's obligation to comply with safety regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation and recognized safe engineering practices. (d) Pipeline construction. (1) The use, widening, or extension of existing rights-of-way must be considered in locating proposed facilities. (2) In locating proposed facilities, the project sponsor shall, to the extent practicable, avoid places listed on, or eligible for listing on, the National Register of Historic Places; natural landmarks listed on the National Register of Natural Landmarks; officially designated parks; wetlands; and scenic, recreational, and wildlife lands. If rights-of-way must be routed near or through such places, attempts should be made to minimize visibility from areas of public view and to preserve the character and existing environment of the area. (3) Rights-of-way should avoid forested areas and steep slopes where practical. (4) Rights-of-way clearing should be kept to the minimum width necessary. (5) In selecting a method to clear rights-of-way, soil stability and protection of natural vegetation and adjacent resources should be taken into account. (6) Trees and vegetation cleared from rights-of-way in areas of public view should be disposed of without undue delay. (7) Remaining trees and shrubs should not be unnecessarily damaged. (8) Long foreground views of cleared rights-of-way through wooded areas that are visible from areas of public view should be avoided. (9) Where practical, rights-of-way should avoid crossing hills and other high points at their crests where the crossing is in a forested area and the resulting notch is clearly visible in the foreground from areas of public view. (10) Screen plantings should be employed where rights-of-way enter forested areas from a clearing and where the clearing is plainly visible in the foreground from areas of public view. (11) Temporary roads should be designed for proper drainage and built to minimize soil erosion. Upon abandonment, the road area should be restored and stabilized without undue delay. (e) Right-of-way maintenance. (1) Vegetation covers established on a right-of-way should be properly maintained. (2) Access and service roads should be maintained with proper cover, water bars, and the proper slope to minimize soil erosion. They should be jointly used with other utilities and land-management agencies where practical. (3) Chemical control of vegetation should not be used unless authorized by the landowner or land-managing agency. When chemicals are used for control of vegetation, they should be approved by EPA for such use and used in conformance with all applicable regulations. (f) Construction of aboveground facilities. (1) Unobtrusive sites should be selected for the location of aboveground facilities. (2) Aboveground facilities should cover the minimum area practicable. (3) Noise potential should be considered in locating compressor stations, or other aboveground facilities. (4) The exterior of aboveground facilities should be harmonious with the surroundings and other buildings in the area. (5) The site of aboveground facilities which are visible from nearby residences or public areas, should be planted in trees and shrubs, or other appropriate landscaping and should be installed to enhance the appearance of the facilities, consistent with operating needs. [Order 603, 64 FR 26619, May 14, 1999]
Title 18: Conservation of Power and Water Resources
PART 380—REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT
§ 380.15 Siting and maintenance requirements.
