The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) today approved the Rover Pipeline’s request to recommence horizontal directional drilling (HDD) at four locations along the pipeline’s path.
Rover “has committed to specific recommendations” and “continues to implement the protocols” requested by FERC to ensure safe and secure drilling, according to a letter provided by FERC staff. Additionally, Rover provided third-party independent inspectors to help oversee drilling as a “further safeguard against future inadvertent releases to sensitive environmental features or contamination of drilling fluids utilized at HDD sites.”
“Today’s FERC decision is further recognition of the positive steps being taken to ensure the safe construction of the Rover Pipeline,” said John McClelland, spokesperson for The Coalition for the Expansion of Pipeline Infrastructure (CEPI). “This continued collaborative effort with state and federal regulators will get the job done in a safe and responsible manner, leading to great economic opportunity for millions of businesses and consumers.”
FERC has approved the resuming of drilling at 13 locations along the pipeline’s path in the past month. While portions of the Rover Pipeline are already in service, construction of the pipeline continues with an expected successful completion date in the first quarter of 2018.