In 2020, a confidential pipeline client contacted Barr to request assistance procuring environmental and right-of-way (ROW) permits for 36 cathodic protection projects proposed along a natural gas pipeline in Michigan. In response, Barr completed a desktop review for each project site to identify potential impacts to sensitive environmental resources, such as wetlands, streams, country drains, floodplains, and protected species, and ROWs.
Several of the project sites required visits to evaluate the presence of wetlands, streams, drains, and protected species habitats. Barr cataloged field and permitting data for each project site using a tracking log so the client could develop and update construction schedules as needed. Based on the results of the field reviews, we coordinated with the state, railroad, and local agencies to confirm jurisdictions and prepare the permit applications. We also developed avoidance measures to protect eastern massasauga rattlesnake, bald eagle, Kirtland’s warbler, and Indiana bat species during construction. After securing the required permits, we communicated permit requirements to the project team using project clearance notifications for each site, and as a result, the client was able to complete the cathodic protection project work.