08-08-2002 Planning Comm. Minutes

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M1N UTL+'S PLANNING COMMISSION' AUGUST 8, 2002 development plans, and there will be various a~iteria that will have to be met for construction of this development. Jensen agreed that the 12-inch pipeline was constructed sometime in the 1950's, and he indicated that Williams Pipeline expects these pipelines to last indefinitely. Hartigan asked about the consequences of the pipeline rupturing. Jensen replied that the consequences are dependent on the size of the rupture. I<eis pointed out that there are many pipeline locations in Little Canada, many locations being crossed by streets. Jensen noted that Williams requires 4 feet of cover, sometimes more, for pipelines crossed by streets. Jensen indicated that Williams will review the development plans and determine the impact on the pipeline. Once that is done, Williams will determine the criteria that will have to be met by this development. This is not an unusual situation for Williams Pipeline, and Jenson noted that they review development plans for projects near their pipelines a(I over the United States. Jensen noted that the 12-inch line is active and the 6-inch lines are not. "I'he G-inch lines provide cathodic protection for the 12-inch line. As part of the review process, all three lines will be located. Jenson indicated that they will be concerned about where streets cross the pipeline, and will do all Chey can to ensure the safety of the pipe. Jensen also noted that there will be a \~illiams Pipeline employee present during any work done in the easement area. David Crary, 2420 Sunset Court, pointed out correspondence from the MN Department of Public Safety, OtTice of Pipeline Safety, suggesting a minimum of I50 foot setback fi~om pipelines. He noted thaC State Statute requires no building and places of public assembly closer to the pipeline than the boundary of the easement, although local units of government may adopt a more restrictive regulation. Crary indicated that even ballfields are not allowed within a pipeline easement and questioned why a road would be allowed in an easement. .lessen stated that he can show many cases where ballfields are located over pipelines. Jensen also noted that while a I50 foot setback fi'om pipelines is recommended by the Office of Pipeline Safety, State Statute says that development can occur right up to the easement line. Duray indicated that he has had some personal experience with construction of a pail<ing lot over a pipeline in the late 1970's, early 1980's. When the parking lot area was being graded by a D-9 Caterpillar, a large boulder was pushed imo the pipe and caused a rupture. There were Williams people on site at the time, but they were unsure how deep the pipeline was. 8-