Abstract: Use of Geographic Information Systems for Applications on Gas Pipeline Rights-of-Way

Pamela J. Sydelko, Patrick L. Wilkey

New approaches to planning natural gas pipeline routes using advanced computer technology will save the pipeline industry both time and money. Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) is using GIS to eliminate much of the time and effort required for gathering and assessing the data needed to site and permit a pipeline right-of-way (ROWs). The GIS combines a wide variety of geographical data for the specific area of interest--including land cover, endangered species habitats, wetlands, hydrography, soils, and transportation routes--to evaluate all the environmental and engineering issues associated with the siting, permitting, construction, maintenance and monitoring of ROWs. Using this information, the GIS can produce a number of ROW alternatives. Current means of siting a pipeline and obta ning the required permitting can take from one to three years. The GIS modeling results are obtained far quicker--usually in less than one year, and it is expected that this time will be reduced further as digital data becomes increasingly available. Regulatory acceptance of GIS models is growing rapidly, which will speed the permitting process and expedite construction. In other research efforts, ANL has created a Right-of-Way Erosion Evaluation Program (REEP), that will allow land planners and engineers to quickly evaluate the potential for watershed erosion during and after gas pipeline installation. ANL is also researching innovative data gathering techniques to provide input for threatened and endangered species habitat analysis.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90986©1994 AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado, June 12-15, 1994