TRB Special Report 281: Transmission Pipelines and Land Use: A Risk-Informed Approach calls upon the U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of Pipeline Safety in the Research and Special Programs Administration to work with stakeholders in developing risk-informed land use guidance for use by policy makers, planners, local officials, and the public.

Developing and applying recommended practices for land use and development in areas near pipelines is one means of addressing pipeline risks to communities. The U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS), is sponsoring the Pipelines and Informed Planning Alliance (PIPA) to develop these recommended practices. A balanced view of the risks involved with pipelines and their relation to land use planning and development decisions by local governments, landowners, and property developers is important for effective application of the recommended practices. The purpose of this report is to assist local governments and developers in better understanding pipeline risks and to provide a context for the use of recommended practices for development near hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipelines. This report aims to provide a context for local governments and developers to better understand pipeline risks through discussion of the following areas: 1) Risks that transmission pipelines pose to the community and mitigation of those risks; 2) Transmission pipeline historical safety performance; 3) Comparison between pipeline historical risk and historical risk from the release of hazardous materials from other modes of transportation; 4) Specific regulations covering pipeline operations that could affect populated areas, drinking water sources, and ecologically sensitive areas.

Natural gas pipeline infrastructure has been developing in the United States at increased rates in recent years. This is due in part to developments in natural gas exploration techniques, as well as the rising cost of other forms of fuel. While there are thousands of miles of natural gas pipelines already in existence in the United States, more are being developed. Consequently, more land will be disturbed and more physical infrastructure will be required to ensure safe and reliable delivery of natural gas. Planners in communities planning for natural gas must understand how the natural gas pipeline industry works. Knowledge of land use, and the physical implications of the process is critical in planning for natural gas transmission pipeline infrastructure development.In order to address the question of how to plan for natural gas transmission pipeline infrastructure development, an analysis of three communities that have recently experienced this growth in their areas was conducted. Recommendations for planners who are tasked with similar planning situations are illustrated using the findings from the three case studies. In studying the three communities, it was determined that there are numerous ways that communities can plan for natural gas transmission pipeline infrastructure development. Some communities may choose to develop methods to forecast and prevent pipeline related incidents from happening. Some communities may focus on public awareness of natural gas pipeline infrastructure; while others may concentrate on design guidelines of physical infrastructure and legislation associated with the use of public infrastructure.There is no one size fits all method to plan for natural gas pipeline infrastructure development. The techniques of planning for natural gas pipeline infrastructure development must be adapted to satisfy the needs and concerns of communities starting the planning process. Planners, as well as other interested citizens, would be wise to consider the actions implemented by the referenced communities when preparing for projects in their own communities.

Pipeline Planning and Construction Field Manual aims to guide engineers and technicians in the processes of planning, designing, and construction of a pipeline system, as well as to provide the necessary tools for cost estimations, specifications, and field maintenance. The text includes understandable pipeline schematics, tables, and DIY checklists. This source is a collaborative work of a team of experts with over 180 years of combined experience throughout the United States and other countries in pipeline planning and construction. Comprised of 21 chapters, the book walks readers through the steps of pipeline construction and management. The comprehensive guide that this source provides enables engineers and technicians to manage routine auditing of technical work output relative to technical input and established expectations and standards, and to assess and estimate the work, including design integrity and product requirements, from its research to completion. Design, piping, civil, mechanical, petroleum, chemical, project production and project reservoir engineers, including novices and students, will find this book invaluable for their engineering practices. Back-of-the envelope calculations Checklists for maintenance operations Checklists for environmental compliance Simulations, modeling tools and equipment design Guide for pump and pumping station placement

Over the next several decades, as human populations grow, the demand for energy will soar. But renewable energy sources have a large energy sprawl--the amount of land needed to produce energy--which can threaten biodiversity. In Energy Sprawl Solutions, scientists Joseph M. Kiesecker and David Naugle provide a roadmap for preserving biodiversity despite the threats of energy sprawl. Their strategy--development by design--identifies and sets aside land where biodiversity can thrive while consolidating development in areas with lower biodiversity value. This contributed volume features case studies from countries around the world, each describing a different energy sector and the way they have successfully maximized biodiversity protection. This book provides a needed guide for elected officials, industry representatives, NGOs and community groups who have a stake in sustainable energy-development planning.