THE COMMISSION FOR ENERGY REGULATION

AN COIMISIÚN UM RIALÁIL FUINNIMH

Guidelines for the Construction of Gas Pipelines in Ireland

CER/02/116a August 2002

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Contents

Page Explanatory Note 2

Part 1 Summary Information to be provided by the Applicant 3 Part 2

The Assessment Process 6

Stage 1 Initial Application 7 Stage 2 EIS & Preliminary Engineering 8 Stage 3 Submission of Applications for CAOs 12 Stage 4 Submission of Detailed Engineering 16 Stage 5 Construction, Commissioning & Operation 17 Part 3 Conditions for Consent to Construct Gas Pipeline 18 Schedule 1 Pipeline Description & Route Co-ordinates 26 Schedule 2 Construction of pipelines - seabed 27 Schedule 3 Construction and operation of pipelines - land 29 Schedule 4 Use and Operation of the Pipeline 30 Schedule 5 Information to be furnished pursuant to Art. 6 32 Schedule 6 Abandonment of the Pipeline 33 Part 4

General Information concerning Gas Pipelines 34

Table 1 Codes & Standards 35 Table 2 Standards Organisations 38 Table 3 Contacts and Contact Organisations 39 Table 4 Sub-sea Pipelines 43

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Explanatory Note These guidelines, which are issued by the Commission for Energy Regulation (‘the Commission’), set out the information the Commission will require from anyone seeking a consent under the Gas Act, 1976, as amended, to construct a pipeline in Ireland for the purpose of transporting natural gas. These guidelines also cover applications for consents for the construction of Interconnector pipelines between States. However, upstream pipelines are the responsibility of the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and guidance on such applications is available from the relevant Department. These guidelines also outline the procedures, which will be followed by the Commission in evaluating proposals.

While the Guidelines provide general advice and information to those considering constructing gas pipelines in Ireland the document does not constitute legal advice nor does it purport to be an interpretation of legislation. If a person using the guidelines has any legal or technical queries they should consult their own legal or technical advisers. In addition, for information purposes only, an outline approval is included at PART 3. Applicants should note that, in addition to the information detailed hereunder, the Commission for Energy Regulation reserves the right to seek additional information, which it considers to be relevant to the application.

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PART 1: Summary of Information to be Provided by the Applicant

The flowchart shown below describes the various stages to be followed in order to obtain a consent from the Commission to construct a gas pipeline:

Stage 2 – Submission of EIS and Preliminary Design Engineering EIS in accordance with EC (Environmental Impact Statement

Regulations) 1999, proposed route plans and confirmation of design

parameters and technical standards to be adopted

Stage 3 – Submission of Application for Compulsory Acquisition Publication of notices for applications for consent to construct pipeline

and compulsory acquisition of land for the purposes of physical construction of the pipeline. Public consultation process

Stage 4 – Submission of Detailed Design Engineering Detailed design engineering plans to include design and material

specifications of pipeline and all associated equipment such as AGI’s, special crossings, protection and control systems, construction

methods and operating procedures

Stage 5 – Construction, Commissioning and Certificate of Fitness Verification inspections and audits to be undertaken.

Pipeline Inspector to ensure compliance with agreed design specification. Certificate of Fitness issued subject to satisfactory

construction, installation & testing and an appraisal of written operating procedures

Stage 1 – Initial Application Establish bona fides of pipeline operator, the need for the pipeline and

outline details of the pipeline project.

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Stage 1: Initial Application (Determination of Bona Fides) The initial application to the Commission must include the following; Applicant Details

• The business and corporate status of the applicant;

• Names and addresses of senior officers;

• Copies of the two most recent annual reports; • Details of staff experience in gas pipeline construction and operation;

• Details of other pipelines built and operated by applicants in Ireland and elsewhere;

• Contact telephone numbers, fax numbers, e-mails, and websites.

Project Details • Purpose of pipeline; • Termini and proposed routing; • Source of gas and end use; • Projected dates for construction and completion; • Maps showing the proposed pipeline routing; • Maximum Allowed Operating Pressure and Diameter; • Flow Capacity of proposed pipeline and associated infrastructure; • Initial project cost estimate; • Further to Article 12, Section (4) of the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act, 2002, details of why the existing capacity in this geographical area does not represent ‘adequate provision for reasonable expectation of demand’.

Stage 2: Submission of Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Preliminary Design Engineering. Part 2 of this document gives greater detail on the submission of the EIS and the Preliminary Engineering. The following points should be noted when preparing the documents;

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EIS • The Environmental Impact Statement is required to deal separately with discrete elements of the pipeline project (i.e. off-shore, on-shore, compressor stations, landfalls);

• Where the proposed gas pipeline is an integral part of a project that extends into other jurisdictions, copies of the EIS required by these jurisdictions are also required by the Commission for information purposes;

• An EIS must meet the requirements and guidelines set out in prevailing EU directives. The Applicant must indicate how these requirements have been satisfied.

Preliminary Design Engineering - required for Transmission pipelines

operating above 16 bar • Description of Pipeline and Associated Infrastructure, including details of the flow capacity;

• Maps showing the proposed pipeline route; • Larger scale maps detailing specific aspects of the route including landfalls in the case of sub-sea pipelines, major river crossings, routes traversing cities and major towns, and connections to existing pipeline infrastructure;

•Preliminary project cost estimates • Standards and/or codes of practice for the design of the various component parts (e.g. on-shore pipelines, off-shore pipelines, compressor stations and other AGIs (Above Ground Installations).

Stage 3: Submission of Applications for Compulsory Acquisitions Sections 31,32 and 33 of the 1976 Gas Act and the Second Schedule to the Act outlines the procedure and information to be submitted in support of an application for a compulsory acquisition order. Section 31,32,33 and the Second Schedule need to be read in the context of amendments introduced by the Gas (Amendment) Act 2000 and the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act, 2002.

Stage 4: Submission of Detailed Design Engineering The following are examples of the type of information that may be sought to facilitate the evaluation of the engineering of the project;

• Location of compressor stations, block valve stations, metering stations, shore

stations, pig-traps, pressure reduction stations etc. on larger scale maps;

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• Dimensions of pipeline, by section length, section diameter, pipeline wall thickness, grade of steel, and type of pipe by method of manufacture;

• Details of any internal and external coatings to be applied to pipeline; • Number and sizes of compressors being employed at each compressor station;

• Design and operating (MAOP) pressures for each pipeline section and each compressor station;

• Outline the design life of the pipeline and associated infrastructure; • Specify the type of prime movers to be employed for any gas compressors;

• Identify means of corrosion protection and the standards and/or codes of practice employed in designing the corrosion protection system;

• Specify the gas composition on which the design is based;

• Details of the flow capacity of the pipeline and associated facilities; • Details of project cost estimates.

Stage 5: Construction, Commissioning and Operation Prior to commissioning of the pipeline the following must be submitted to the Commission; • Details of planning consents sought and obtained in all jurisdictions

traversed by the pipeline. • For

i. Pipeline and AGI construction; ii. Pipeline and AGI commissioning; iii. Pipeline and AGI maintenance; and iv. Pipeline and AGI operation

Indicate who is to be responsible for each activity and the standards and/or codes of practice to be employed in each activity.

• Details of the safety and emergency procedures to be employed in the

event of an accident during the operation of the pipeline.

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PART 2: The Assessment Process.

Introduction

This part of the Guidelines provides details of how the Commission assesses an application for consent. This procedure applies to all gas transmission pipelines and in particular to large-scale projects where the submission of an EIS is mandatory. In general this includes all of the following;

o Pipelines with a diameter of more than 800mm and a length of more than 40km;

o Gas pipelines where the design pressure would exceed 16 bar and the length of the new pipeline would exceed 40km.

More detailed information on the EIS mandatory requirements is given on Page 8 Stage 2. There are a number of different stages in the process for evaluating large-scale projects. If the Commission decides to give consent to a project, that consent will be subject to compliance with all conditions applicable to each stage of the process as they are set out in these Technical Guidelines.

Where the pipeline traverses another jurisdiction it is the responsibility of the pipeline owner to obtain the necessary approvals in that jurisdiction. Owners of pipelines that traverse other jurisdictions will normally be obliged to permit inspectors from one jurisdiction to visit and inspect any part of the pipeline that traverses the other jurisdictions. Such inspections may take place at any time during the construction, testing, commissioning or operation of the pipeline, and in the event of consent being granted may form a condition of any such consent. The Commission proposes the following in relation to the allocation of costs associated with the consent process:

1) For sub-threshold pipelines, an appropriate fee-scale will be determined, relating to project size.

2) For pipelines above the threshold the applicant will incur all costs associated with the assessment process, including the need for technical/legal advice.

In any event, all costs associated with a public hearing will be levied on the applicant. Comments on this proposal are welcomed.

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2.1 Stage 1: Initial Application (Determination of Bona Fides) In line with the Gas (Amendment) Act, 2000, as amended by the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act 2002, the first step in the application process is the determination of bona fides. The information required for this purpose is set out in Part 1 and is repeated here for ease of reference.

Applicant Details

• The business and corporate status of the applicants;

• Names and addresses of senior officers;

• Copies of the two most recent annual reports. Where the company is a new company, copies of the annual reports of shareholding companies should be furnished;

• Details of staff experience in gas pipeline construction and operation;

• Details of other pipelines built and operated by applicants in Ireland and elsewhere.

• Contact telephone numbers; fax numbers, e-mails, and websites.

Project Details

• Purpose of pipeline

• Termini and proposed routing

• Source of gas and end use

• Projected dates for construction and completion

• Maps showing the proposed pipeline routing

• Maximum Allowed Operating Pressure and Diameter

• Flow Capacity of proposed pipeline and associated infrastructure

• Project cost estimate

• Further to Article 12, Section (4) of the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act, 2002, details of why the existing capacity in this geographical area does not represent ‘adequate provision for reasonable expectation of demand’.

This information is required to enable the Commission to determine whether or not the application can be considered to be bona fide. In order to enter onto land for the purpose of inspecting, surveying, investigating or examining the proposed route, the Commission must first be notified of the authorisation holder’s intention to apply for the Commission’s consent to construct or operate the pipeline and the Commission must have provided a certificate stating that the applicant is a bona fide applicant and is authorised to survey the proposed route. The information is also required to enable the Commission to determine whether or not an EIS is required under section 40A (1) (a) of the 1976 Gas Act, as amended. It should be noted that where a pipeline application is

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outside the EIS requirement the Commission may, if of the opinion that the pipeline will have significant effects on the environment, decide to exercise its discretion under section 40A(1) and require the applicant to submit an EIS.

Once the Commission is satisfied that the application can be deemed bona fides the applicant will be notified accordingly. In addition, the Commission may, following consultations with the applicant, specify the time limit for the submission of the EIS and Preliminary Design Engineering. Except in cases of force majeure where the EIS and Preliminary Design Engineering are not provided within the specified time limit the Commission holds the discretion to deem the application to have been withdrawn. 2.2 Stage 2: EIS and Preliminary Design Engineering At this stage the applicant must submit the EIS and Preliminary Design Engineering. 2.2.1 The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

The mandatory requirement to submit an EIS in relation to an application to construct a pipeline applies to all of the following:

• Pipelines for the transport of gas with a diameter of more than 800mm and a length of more than 40km;

• Installations for the surface storage of natural gas, where the storage capacity would exceed 200 tonnes;

• Gas pipelines and associated installations where the design pressure would exceed 16 bar and the length of the new pipeline would exceed 40km.

An EIS may be required in circumstances other than those set out above. For example, where the proposed pipeline which would be of a class mentioned above but not exceeding a quantity, area or other limit for the time being specified in relation to that class, and where the Commission considers that the proposed pipeline would likely have significant effects on the environment, it shall require the submission of an EIS.

An EIS may also be required where the proposed pipeline which would be of a class mentioned above but not exceeding a quantity, area or other limit for the time being specified in relation to that class, and be located on: (I) A special area of conservation; (II) A site notified in accordance with Regulation 4 of

the European Communities (Natural Habitats) Regulations, 1997 (S.I. No. 94 of 1997);

(III) An area classified pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2)

of article 4 of Council Directive No. 79/409/EEC of 2 April, 1979, on the conservation of wild birds (O.J. No. L 103, 25 April, 1979);

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(IV) A site where consultation has been initiated in

accordance with article 5 of Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May, 1992, on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora (O.J. No. L 206, 22 July, 1992);

(V) Land established or recognised as a nature reserve

within the meaning of section 15 or 16 of the Wildlife Act, 1976 (No. 39 of 1976);

(VI) Land designated as a refuge for fauna under

section 17 of the Wildlife Act, 1976 (No. 39 of 1976).

The information to be contained in an EIS is set out in the Second Schedule to the European Communities (Environmental Impact Statement) Regulations, 1999, S.I. No. 93 of 1999. The applicant must ensure full consultation with prescribed bodies as outlined in section 40A (4) of the 1976 Act, as amended, and must indicate to the bodies concerned that submissions and observations can be made to the Commission in relation to the effects on the environment of the proposed pipeline. Public consultation is required in accordance with section 40A (2) of the 1976 Gas Act, as amended. The Commission will require the applicant to publish a notice in national and local newspapers along the proposed route of the pipeline. The notice will contain the name and address of the applicant and outline details of the route. In addition, the notice will indicate where the EIS may be examined and specify that submissions can be made to the Commission on the effects of the proposed pipeline within the prescribed period. For convenience, a draft notice is provided over. If necessary, the Commission may direct additional consultation to be undertaken as required by section 40A of the Act.

In relation to subsea pipelines the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1995 amended section 40 of the Gas Act, 1976 to include Irish territorial waters or a designated area within the meaning of that phrase under the Continental Shelf Act, 1968. The limit of Ireland’s territorial seas is 12 miles from the baseline. The State’s entitlement to areas of the Continental Shelf is exercised under the Continental Shelf Act, 1968 and Orders under the Act. S.I. No. 92 of 1993 sets out the coordinates delineating Ireland’s designated area of the Continental Shelf. On the East Coast it runs along a line approximately midway between Ireland and the United Kingdom.

If, as a result of the preliminary design engineering submission, significant implications for the EIS emerge, the Commission may decide to require the applicant to submit additional material in respect of that part of the proposed project. In these circumstances the public consultation procedure in respect of that part of the EIS will be re-opened or extended. Alternatively, the Commission may decide to waive a full EIS requirement in favour of an alternative environmental appraisal. In either case the Commission will be

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exercising powers in line with section 40A of the Gas Act, 1976 as amended. Such an alternative appraisal would be subject to the same public consultation procedures as an EIS.

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DRAFT NOTICE

GAS ACT,1976, AS AMENDED

European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment)

(Amendment) Regulations, 1989 to 1999

Submission to the Commission for Energy Regulation:

Notice is hereby given that (name of applicant) in compliance with the above Act and Regulations, has submitted an Environmental Impact Statement to the Commission for Energy Regulation in support of its application to construct a natural gas transmission pipeline (from…..to….). (nature of pipeline and description of route)……………..

Objections and representations with regard to the said submission may be made in writing to the Commission for Energy Regulation, The Exchange, Belgard Square North, Tallaght, Dublin 24 at any time from the (day) of (month, year) to the (day) of (month, year) both days inclusive (one month period).

This document (including a map showing the route of the proposed pipeline) was supplied by the (name of applicant) to the Commission for Energy Regulation. Copies of the said document may be inspected free of charge/or purchased by any person during the period above specified between the hours of 9.00am – 4.30pm on any day (Sundays and Bank Holidays excluded) at the following locations:

(State locations)

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Having considered the EIS the Commission will decide whether the proposed pipeline would or would not be likely to have significant effects on the environment. In making this decision, the Commission shall have regard to the criteria outlined in the Third Schedule to the European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations, 1989 and as amended by the 1999 Regulations. When a decision has been taken, in line with Article 9 of Directive 85/337/EEC as amended by Directive 97/11/EC, the Commission shall inform the public concerned of

� The consent of the decision and any conditions attached thereto;

� The reasons and considerations on which the decision is based.

Preliminary Design Engineering

The applicant must submit preliminary design engineering for the proposed pipeline as part of the EIS. The preliminary design engineering should define the design parameters of the pipeline and the specifications and standards to which it is being designed. The Commission’s advisers will appraise the design of the proposed pipeline against specified approved standards and specifications (for example see Table 1). The preliminary engineering should also identify the possible problem areas. For example, crossing estuaries, rivers, canals, railways etc. The type of information that will be required is as follows:

• Description of pipeline and associated infrastructure to include engineering line diagrams and general arrangement drawings;

• Maps (e.g. 1:2,500 O.S.) showing the proposed pipeline route;

• Larger scale maps (e.g. 1:1250 and 1:500) showing landfalls in the case of sub-sea pipelines, major river crossings, routes traversing cities and major towns, and connections to existing pipeline infrastructure;

• Identify the specific standards and/or codes of practice for the design of

component parts (e.g. on-shore pipelines, off-shore pipelines, compressor stations and other AGIs);

• Description of risk assessment and management techniques or methodology to be employed;

• Preliminary outline work programme showing key project milestones and critical paths;

• Preliminary project cost estimate, and pipeline and associated facilities’ design flow capacity;

• Technical Standards for connection of the proposed pipeline.

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Timeframe for Assessment A minimum period of 10 weeks will be required by the Commission to evaluate the EIS and Preliminary Design Engineering. The 10 weeks time limit is indicative only as time limits depend on the complexity of the project. However, where the timescale is likely to exceed 10 weeks, the Commission will seek to agree an assessment timescale with the applicant so as to ensure that the success of projects are not compromised through avoidable delay. This may involve increased participation on the part of the applicant in order to efficiently resolve queries or issues as raised by the Commission.

2.3 Stage 3: Submission of Applications for CAOs Once the application has been deemed bona fides by the Commission the applicant may apply for compulsory acquisition orders (CAOs) under Sec. 32 of the Gas Act, 1976, as amended. On receipt of the CAO applications, and at a time to be decided by the Commission, the Commission will instruct the applicant to publish two newspaper notices side by side; the first giving details of the application for consent to construct the pipeline and the second giving details of applications made to the Commission for acquisition orders under section 32 of the Gas Act, 1976, as amended to acquire compulsorily certain lands and rights over lands. The notices must allow for a period of at least one month during which members of the public can make representations and objections to the Commission. In line with Section 7 of the Second Schedule to the Gas Act, as amended the Commission is empowered to hold an oral hearing into matters relating to the compulsory acquisition of land. It should be noted that while applications for CAOs under Section 32 will be accepted following the granting of bona fides status, no decisions on any such application will be made prior to a final decision on the application for consent to construct under Section 39A.

Draft Consent and Sec. 32 Notices appear on the following page.

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DRAFT CONSENT NOTICE

GAS ACT,1976, AS AMENDED

Application to Commission for Energy Regulation for consent under (Section 39A) of the Gas Act, 1976, as amended.

NOTICE is hereby given that (company name) has made an Application

under Section 39A of the above Act to the Commission for Energy

Regulation for consent to construct a pipeline for the transmission of

natural gas which pipeline is to be known as the (title of the pipeline)

(description of route)

Objections and representations with regard to the said proposed

Application may be made in writing to the Commission for Energy

Regulation, The Exchange, Belgard Square North, Tallaght, Dublin 24,

at any time from the ….. day of………., and to the ……. day of…………,

both dates inclusive ( one month period ).

The documents (including a map showing the route of the proposed

pipeline), which accompanied the Application, were supplied by

(company name) to the Commission for Energy Regulation. Copies of

the said documents may be inspected free of charge by any person

during the period above specified between the hours of 9.00 a.m. and

4.30 p.m. on any day (Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays

excepted) at:

(COMPANY NAME,

ADDRESS).

And At:

GARDA STATIONS AT :

Dated this day of 2002.

SIGNED: (COMPANY SECRETARY)

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DRAFT SEC. 32 NOTICE

GAS ACT, 1976, AS AMENDED. Applications for Acquisition Orders under Section 32 of the Gas

Act, 1976, as amended. NOTICE of the making under Section 32 of the Gas Act, 1976, to the Commission for Energy Regulation of Applications for Acquisition Orders, under and within the meaning of the above Act, provision for compensation being made in Section 33 of the said Act.

(Title of the pipeline)

1. Pursuant to Article 3 (1) of the Second Schedule to the said Act, notice is

hereby given that (company name) has applied to the Commission for Energy Regulation for Acquisition Orders (within the meaning of the said Act) to enable the (company name) under Section 32 of the said Act to acquire compulsorily the right over land specified in Schedule A to this paragraph, over the strips of land situate in the Townlands and Counties specified hereunder:

Wayleave No. Townland County Reputed Owner(s)

SCHEDULE A The right over land to use the relevant strips of land for the construction,

operation and maintenance therein by the (company name) of a natural gas pipeline and such other works, services, facilities and other things as are necessary or expedient in relation thereto or are ancillary thereto or form part thereof.

2. Pursuant to Article 3 (1) of the Second Schedule to the Gas Act, 1976, as

amended, notice is hereby given that the (company name) has applied to the Commission for Energy Regulation for an Acquisition Order (within the meaning of the said Act) to enable the (company name) under Section 32 of the said Act, to acquire compulsorily the lands and right over lands for the purposes specified in Schedule B below and which lands are situate in the Townlands and Counties specified hereunder:

Wayleave No. Townland(s) County Reputed Owner(s)

SCHEDULE B

(i) Lands being Acquired Compulsorily:

To construct on the lands being acquired compulsorily a natural gas pipeline, terminals and off-take stations known as an Above Ground Installations.

(ii)The Right over Lands:

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To use part of the lands adjacent to the lands being acquired

compulsorily for the duration of the construction by the (company name) of the said Above Ground Installations and in relation to such other installations, works, services, facilities thereon or therein as form part thereof, or are ancillary thereto.

3. Pursuant to Article 3 (1) of the Second Schedule to the said Act, notice is

hereby given that (company name) has applied to the Commission for Energy Regulation for Acquisition Orders (within the meaning of the said Act) to enable the (company name) under Section 32 of the said Act to acquire compulsorily the right over land specified in Schedule C to this paragraph, over the strips of land situate in the Townlands and Counties specified hereunder.

WayleaveNo. Townland(s) County Reputed Owner(s)

SCHEDULE C

The right over land to use the relevant strips of land for the construction,

installation, laying, inspection, operation, use, maintenance, repair and replacement thereon, therein or thereunder of Cathodic Protection Equipment for the purpose of detecting and preventing corrosion of the (company name)’s natural gas pipeline and such other works, services, facilities and other things as are necessary or expedient in relation thereto or are ancillary thereto or form part thereof.

Objections and representations pursuant to the Gas Act, 1976, as amended, as regards the said proposed Acquisition Orders may be made in writing to the Commission for Energy Regulation, (hereinafter referred to as "the Commission") at The Exchange, Belgard Square North, Tallaght, Dublin 24, at any time from the….. day of ……, until the …. day of…….., both dates inclusive (one month period). Any person who wishes to object in writing in relation to the applications may also request an oral hearing. The documents which accompanied the said Applications were submitted by the (company name) to the Commission for Energy Regulation. Copies of the said documents may be inspected free of charge by any person during the period above specified between the hours of 9.00 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. on any day (Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays excepted) at the following locations:

(COMPANY NAME,

ADDRESS).

And At:

GARDA STATIONS AT:

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Dated this day of 20xx.

SIGNED: (COMPANY SECRETARY)

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2.4 Stage 4:Submission of Detailed Design Engineering The Commission, following consultation with the applicant, will specify the time frame for submission of detailed design engineering. If the information is not provided by the expiry of the time limit the applicant will be considered to have withdrawn the application. In the event of force majeure, the Commission will specify a new deadline for the submission of the information. The information sought at this point is detailed in Part I (Stage 4) of these Guidelines and is repeated below for ease of reference. The Commission will arrange for the detailed design engineering to be examined by an independent assessor who will pay particular attention to safety, compliance with recognised technical standards and codes and overall levels of pipeline reliability and integrity. The applicant may submit all the detailed design engineering information together, or with the prior agreement of the Commission, submit this information in phases. Where the information is to be submitted in phases the Commission will specify the date by which the final piece of information is to be submitted.

Submission of Detailed Design Engineering The following are examples of the type of information that may be sought to facilitate the evaluation of the engineering of the project;

• Location of compressor stations, block valve stations, metering stations, shore stations, pig-traps, pressure reduction stations etc. on larger scale maps;

• Dimensions of pipeline, by section length, section diameter, pipeline wall thickness, grade of steel, and type of pipe by method of manufacture;

Details drawings of any special crossings such roads, railways, rivers etc;

Welding techniques and procedures for all line and tie-in (golden) welds;

• Details of any internal and external coatings to be applied to pipeline; • Number and sizes of compressors being employed at each compressor station;

• Design and operating (MAOP) pressures for each pipeline section and each compressor station;

• Outline the design life and flow capacity of the pipeline and associated infrastructure;

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• Specify the type of prime movers to be employed for any gas compressors;

• Identify means of corrosion protection and the standards and/or codes of practice employed in designing the corrosion protection system;

• Specify the gas composition on which the design is based; A detailed project programme; Detailed operating specifications and procedures; A detailed Health and Safety Plan for the construction of the pipeline; A detailed risk assessment.

Depending on the complexity of the project evaluation of the detailed engineering could take up to 6 months.

2.5 Stage 5: Construction, Commissioning and Certificate of

Fitness In this stage the applicant should identify any engineering or design changes necessary. Once an applicant has received consent to construct a pipeline, the compulsory acquisition order powers apply to the project. The relevant legislation is the Gas Act, 1976, as amended by the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act, 2002.

As a condition of consent during construction there may be periodic inspections by advisers /authorised officer(s) on behalf of the Commission. For the purpose of such inspections IS 328 will be considered to be the minimum technical standard and will take account of the following:-

The materials used will be verified against design specifications. Welding, and coating of the pipeline will be checked and the depth of pipeline will be examined. When the pipeline is constructed there may be pressure testing, sections will be cut and rejoined with ‘golden’ welds. Monitoring will be carried out very carefully in accordance with the requirements of the Commission, which may vary according to the nature of the work being undertaken and non-destructive tests will be applied to the golden welds. The corrosion resistance of the pipe and the effectiveness of the cathodic protection system will be checked. The pipe may then be cleaned and dried by a suitable procedure. When this is completed, the

• Emergency Procedures Manual,

• Code of Operations, and

• Minimum Technical Criteria for connection to the pipeline by third parties

must be made available for inspection by authorised officer(s), including the Commission’s Pipeline Inspector. The types of tests mentioned in this paragraph are illustrative only. As technology and standards change so will the testing mechanisms. At this stage the pipeline may be filled with natural gas but it cannot be brought into full operational use until a Certificate of Fitness is received by

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the Commission. The pipeline will be regarded as having been fully commissioned when the emergency systems are checked, for example leak detection and radio communication and control systems, for safe and satisfactory operation When authorised officer(s) have completed their tests on the construction, installation and pressure testing of the pipeline and they are satisfied that it has been carried out in accordance with the appraised design then they will issue a Certificate of Fitness. Certification includes matters such as evidence of satisfactory hydrostatic pressure tests, demonstration of the emergency shutdown system, and an appraisal of written procedures dealing with normal operation, leak detection, and pipeline system inspection. The Pipeline Inspector verifies this process both in relation to on-shore and sub-sea pipelines. On receipt of a Certificate of Fitness for the pipeline, the Commission will permit the operation of the pipeline subject to conditions for the operation and maintenance of the pipeline.

A Certificate of Fitness will be valid for a specified period only. Pipelines will require re-certification on expiry of that period or following an incident that results in a major shut-down of the pipeline.

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PART 3 Conditions which may attach to a Consent to construct either an

On-shore or Interconnector pipeline.

The following articles and schedules are indicative of conditions, which may attach to consents for land pipelines and interconnector pipelines, or sometimes to both.

Article 1

Interpretation (1) For the purposes of these conditions, except where the context

otherwise requires: "independent body" means a competent body approved by the

Commission. "Commission" means the Commission for Energy Regulation; "natural gas" means any gas derived from natural strata (whether or

not it has been subjected to liquefaction or any process or treatment); "Pipeline Operator" means individuals who have notified the

Commission of an intention to construct or operate a pipeline on, over or under the surface of the land or seabed or a person appointed under Article 6 to organise or supervise the operation of the pipeline or any part thereof.

"pipeline" means the pipeline described in Schedule 1 to this

Authorisation. "transmission pipelines" means pipelines designed to carry gas at

pressures over 16 bar. “Certificate of Fitness” means the certificate to be provided to the

Commission by an independent body verifying that the pipeline complies with all requirements and is therefore fit for the safe transmission of natural gas.

(2) In these Conditions references to the pipeline operator shall include

references to any person or company to whom an interest in the pipeline or a part thereof is transferred.

(3) In these Conditions a reference to an Article, Schedule or Table is to

an Article, Schedule or Table of this Consent, unless it is indicated that reference to some other enactment or instrument is intended.

(4) In these Conditions a reference to a paragraph, subparagraph or other

division is to the paragraph, subparagraph or other division of the provision in which the reference occurs, unless it is indicated that reference to some other provision is intended.

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As provided for in Section 12 of the Gas (Interim) (Regulation) Act, 2002, the Commission may attach to a consent such conditions, with respect to the construction of the relevant pipeline as it considers appropriate. This may require the inspection of pipelines during construction and subsequent Certification of Fitness by an authorised officer. Such inspections may include such procedures as identified in article 9.

Article 2 Construction Requirements

(1) The pipeline shall be constructed in accordance with the plans,

specifications and other documents furnished to the Commission on behalf of the Pipeline Operator. The part of the pipeline to be placed on, over or under the surface of seabed shall be constructed in accordance with the requirements of Schedule 2 which shall prevail in the event of any conflict between them and the plans, specifications and other documents submitted to the Commission.

(2) No addition or modification material to the matters dealt with by these

conditions shall be made to the pipeline, whether during the course of construction or at any later time, except with the prior written consent of the Commission, which shall be subject to such conditions as the Commission may impose.

Article 3

Environmental Protection

The construction of the pipeline shall be in accordance with:

• Council Directive 85/337/EEC as implemented by the European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (S.I. 349 of 1989)

• Council Directive 97/11/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment (S.I. 51 of 1990)

• Council Directive 85/337/EEC as implemented by the European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Amendment) Regulations, 1994 (S.I. 84 of 1994)

• Council Directive 85/337/EEC as implemented by the European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Amendment) Regulations, 1996 (S.I. 101 of 1996)

• The European Communities (Environmental Assessment) (Amendment) Regulations, 1998 (S.I. 351 of 1998), and

• Council Directive 97/11/EC as implemented by the European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Amendment) Regulations, 1999 (S.I. No. 93 of 1999).

24

Article 4 Commencement and Re-commencement of Operation

(1) The pipeline shall not be brought into fully commissioned operation

unless the documents specified hereinafter have been given to the Commission and it has indicated that they are satisfactory. (i) A Certificate of Fitness issued by an independent body and / or the

Commission’s authorised officer that, following appraisal and audit of relevant documents and of the pipeline, the pipeline is fit for its purpose and that the independent body is satisfied that the pipeline has been constructed in accordance with the plans, specifications and other documents submitted to the Commission;

(ii) Evidence in writing of satisfactory hydrostatic pressure tests and

tests of any emergency shut-down system; (iii) Evidence that the pipeline has been hydraulically tested in a

manner and to the required test pressures that are in accordance with the design and construction standards employed;

(iv) Evidence that all “golden” welds have been carried out in

accordance with the design and construction standards employed, and that these welds have been inspected and tested in accordance with the procedures required under these standards;

(v) Evidence that accurate records have been retained which identify

the provenance of each and every pipe segment employed in the construction of the pipeline;

(vi) Evidence that accurate records have been retained of all non-

destructive testing procedures employed on each pipeline weld;

(vii) Evidence of the qualifying procedures used to qualify manual welders for work on the pipeline and the qualification documents for each such welder employed;

(viii) Evidence that the as-built drawing showing the actual route and

depths of coverage of the pipeline have been completed;

(ix) Evidence that appropriate above-ground markers have been put in

place at road, river and rail crossings, and at other critical locations to identify the location of the pipeline;

(x) Evidence that the corrosion protection system has been tested and

meets the relevant standard. In this area records should be available indicating number and location of ‘holidays’ in the pipeline coating and how and when these were repaired. In the case of cathodic protection by impressed voltage, adequate levels of voltage protection should be demonstrated. In the case of cathodic protection by means of sacrificial anode appropriate levels of protective voltage should be demonstrated;

25

(xi) Evidence that emergency shut-down systems, if installed are

operable and function as planned;

(xii) Evidence that a leak detection system has been put in place, is operable and functions as planned.

(ii) An Emergency Procedures Manual specifying the action to be taken

in the event of an emergency relating to the pipeline; The Emergency Procedures Manual may only be amended with the prior written consent of the Commission. Copies of the manual with any such amendments shall be kept at the Pipeline Operator's Control Centre and at the pipeline terminal. Whenever the manual is so amended copies of the manual as amended shall be sent to the Commission and to the Minister for Communications, Marine & Natural Resources

(iii) An Operating Procedures Manual which shall, inter alia, provide for

leak detection;

In the case of compressor stations, reception stations, metering stations, and pigging stations for example, where the installations are more complex, it will be necessary for verification purposes to have evidence of:

� A station commissioning plan; � Evidence that the station is commissioned in accordance

with that plan; � Evidence that records exist to show that all welding had

been satisfactorily undertaken and non-destructively tested;

� Evidence that all the elements of the station (the valves, controllers, heaters, meters, filters, pig traps etc) met the specifications set out in the design;

� Evidence that adequate written procedures existed covering normal operation, emergency situations, and leak detection;

� Evidence that major stations were adequately against unauthorised entry at all times;

� A permit to work system is in place covering all aspects of emergency and planned maintenance.

An inspection scheme as referred to in Article 13.

Article 5

Use and Operation Requirements Unless the Commission’s prior written consent is otherwise given, which shall be subject to such conditions as the Commission may impose, the pipeline shall be used and operated in accordance with the requirements set out in Schedule 4 hereto and shall be maintained in a proper state of repair

26

and condition having regard to the purpose for which the pipeline is intended.

Article 6

Notifications and Information

The Commission shall be provided with the information and documents necessary to comply with the provisions of Schedule 5. In addition the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources shall be provided with the information and documents concerning subsea pipelines in the circumstances specified in sections 4 & 5 of Schedule 4. Any notification or report required to be provided pursuant to the foregoing provisions shall be in writing.

Article 7 Cessation of Use

The Pipeline Operator shall take any measures for care and maintenance of the pipeline while it is not in use that the Commission may direct. Following any shutdown of the pipeline for the purpose of any maintenance, repair or replacement which has been necessitated by any malfunction which endangers safety, of any part of the pipeline or any apparatus, equipment or other thing included in the meaning of "pipeline" by virtue of Article 1 and Schedule 1, the pipeline shall not be brought into operation without the prior written consent of the Commission which shall be subject to such conditions as the Commission may impose and unless the operator, the independent body or some other body on a list of bodies approved by the Commission for the purposes of this paragraph, as the Commission may decide, has given the Commission a certificate that it is safe to bring it into operation.

Article 8

Abandonment

The provisions of Schedule 6 hereto shall have effect with regard to the abandonment of the pipeline.

Article 9 Inspection

(1) The Pipeline Operator shall facilitate access to the pipeline, during the

time of fabrication and laying of the pipeline and subsequently, by an inspector/authorised officer(s) appointed by the Commission or any Minister, or any other appropriate authority in respect of the pipeline or if the pipeline extends to another jurisdiction, the inspectors of that jurisdiction.

(2) The Pipeline Operator shall, on request by an inspector/authorised

officer(s) referred to in paragraph (1), produce any information and documents as the inspector/authorised officer(s) may reasonably require. In the case of such a request by an inspector/authorised officer(s) appointed by the Government of another jurisdiction such information and documents shall include the information and

27

documents which he may require to satisfy himself that the fundamental interests of his Government in respect of safety or pollution prevention are met.

Article 10

Access to Pipeline

(1) The Pipeline Operator shall, subject to such conditions as the Commission may impose, facilitate the connection of pipes to the pipeline or otherwise facilitate access to it to make use of any spare capacity and to safeguard security of supply within the jurisdiction of the State.

Such areas will be based on a fair commercial return to the pipeline operator.

Additional Conditions which may attach to a consent to

construct a natural gas Interconnector pipeline.

Article 11 Compliance with the Laws of jurisdictions outside the State

(1) If the Pipeline, or part of the pipeline is to be constructed in a jurisdiction(s) outside the State, the Pipeline Operator shall comply with all relevant laws of such jurisdiction(s).

(2) Nothing in these Conditions herein shall prejudice any legislative or

regulatory requirements in respect of any part of a pipeline, which lies outside the State.

Article 12

Construction Requirements (1) The pipeline shall be laid so as to extend along the line of route

specified in Schedule 1.

Article 13 Inspection by Operator

(1) There shall at all times be in force in respect to the pipeline an

inspection scheme in writing which shall provide for the systematic inspection of the pipeline and for the testing of any apparatus, equipment or other thing included in the meaning of "pipeline" by virtue of Article 1 and Schedule 1 which is necessary for the purpose of securing the safe operation of the pipeline and which shall specify the nature of the inspection to be carried out.

(2) No changes shall be made to the scheme without the prior written

consent of the Commission. (3) Copies of the inspection scheme together with any changes made in

accordance with paragraph (2) shall be kept at the principal place of business of the Pipeline Operator within the State.

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(4) The Pipeline Operator shall appoint a competent person, employed under a contract of service, to be responsible for enforcing the inspection scheme or, if the scheme is divided into parts, each part of it and that person shall be charged with the duty of supervising every inspection to be carried out under the scheme or, as the case may be, the part in respect of which the person is appointed.

(5) The inspection scheme shall specify the person appointed under

paragraph (4) and there shall be no change of such person without prior notification to the Commission.

(6) The Pipeline Operator shall notify the Commission in writing of all

inspections to be carried out under the inspection scheme at least two weeks in advance thereof and shall report to the Commission the results of each inspection. The Pipeline Operator shall allow an inspector appointed by the Commission to be present at any such inspection if so requested by the inspector.

(7) A record of each inspection made pursuant to the inspection scheme

shall be kept by the Pipeline Operator at its principal place of business with the State.

(8) Conditions referred to in Article 4 will apply.

Article 14 Insurance

The Pipeline Operator shall ensure that such insurance cover as the Commission may from time to time recommend in order to enable liability to third parties occasioned by the release or escape of any of the contents of the pipeline to be discharged is effected and maintained and that all premiums are punctually paid when due and nothing is done to make such insurance void or voidable and shall on demand produce to the Commission satisfactory evidence of the effecting or continued existence of such insurance.

Article 15 Commencement Date

These Terms and Conditions shall come into force on .....................

Signed by ---------------on this ------------------------------------

for and on behalf of the Commission for Energy Regulation.

29

Schedule 1.

PIPELINE DESCRIPTION AND ROUTE CO-ORDINATES

Latitude Longitude deg/min/sec deg/min/sec (BLANK FOR PIPELINE CO-ORDINATES - LOCATION/DESCRIPTION OF THE PIPELINE POINT-TO-POINT ETC).

30

Schedule 2. Construction of Pipelines on, over or under the seabed.

1. Installation

The pipeline shall be so installed that it will not unduly impede or

prevent the laying of further pipelines or cables. 2. Trenching and support

(1) As soon as may be, following pipe laying, the pipeline shall where necessary be lowered into the seabed by trenching or otherwise so that as far as practicable the uppermost surface of the pipeline is below the seabed and remains there. Where that is not practicable the pipeline shall be covered. Where the pipeline ceases to remain at the said level it shall be lowered back down to that level or it shall be covered. Any covering of the pipeline shall be maintained.

(2) Any parts of the pipeline not supported by the seabed shall be

provided with suitable support where the unsupported span exceeds or is likely to exceed the design specifications for unsupported spans approved by the Commission’s assessors. Any proposal to modify the design specifications for unsupported spans must be approved by the Commission.

3. Covering the pipeline ends

Unless the Commission directs otherwise, the ends of any part of the pipeline left on the seabed during the period of construction shall be covered in such a way that they will not interfere with fishing gear.

4. Protective covers

No materials intended to cover or to support the pipeline shall be deposited at sea or in other waters except with prior written notification to the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.

5. Loose articles

No object, equipment or material of any kind, which is not part of the pipeline, shall be disposed of at sea or abandoned on the seabed during the construction of the pipeline. Where such items are accidentally dropped or left in the sea, every reasonable effort shall be made to recover them forthwith and if recovery proves impracticable a report giving all essential details of the occurrence shall be made as soon as possible thereafter to the Commission and to the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.

31

6. Protection against internal corrosion

The pipeline shall, as soon as its construction is completed, be suitably protected against internal corrosion until it is brought into operation for the first time.

7. Codes of Practice

Where any matter involving the installation of the pipeline is not expressly provided for in this Schedule, the provisions of the latest edition of the Institute of Petroleum Model Code of Safe Practice, Part 6 - "Pipeline Safety Code" and/or any appropriate standards or codes specified by the Commission shall where applicable be observed.

8. Discharge of contents

Substances introduced into the pipeline other than those consisting entirely of untreated seawater or sweet water shall not be discharged into the sea or other waters except with the prior written consent of the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in accordance with any conditions, which may be attached.

9. Seabed reinstatement

So far as reasonably practicable that part of the seabed which is disturbed by the laying or trenching operations shall be restored to a condition that will not interfere with fishing activities.

10 Communications during construction

The following bodies shall be informed every 24 hours of the positions at which construction work is to be carried out on that day and on the following three days. Radio broadcasts shall be made from the installation vessel twice daily (with an interval of at least six hours between the two broadcasts), or as may be agreed with the bodies referred to, giving the positions at which construction work is to be carried out on that day and on the following three days.

(Names of bodies to be inserted as appropriate for specific pipelines) ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________

32

Schedule 3 Construction and Operation of Pipelines on Land

The construction of pipelines on-land shall follow the practices set out in the latest edition of I.S. 328, Code of Practice for Gas Transmission Pipelines and Pipeline Installations.

33

Schedule 4

Use and Operation of the Pipeline 1. Implementation of corrosion monitoring programme

As soon as may be after the pipeline has been brought into operation for the first time, an appropriate corrosion monitoring programme shall be implemented.

2. Implementation of leak detection system

As soon as may be after the pipeline has been brought into operation a leak detection system shall be implemented.

3. Control centre

(1) There shall be provided in respect of the pipeline: (a) An effective means for shutting down the pipeline at each

of its initial and terminal points; (b) An effective means and at a specified place (the Control

Centre), where a competent person appointed by the Pipeline Operator is present at all times, for;

(i) Signalling to that person any significant alteration

in the pressure or rate of flow of anything conveyed by the pipeline, or any significant alteration in the operation of the means of shutting down the pipeline;

(ii) Verifying the accuracy of the signals provided under

sub-paragraph (i), and (iii) Communicating instructions for shutting down the

pipeline.

(2) All reasonable steps shall be taken to ensure that the pipeline is

operated so that nothing conveyed by it exerts at any point a pressure exceeding, except under transient conditions, the maximum anticipated operating pressure notified by the Pipeline Operator to the Commission.

(3) If the natural gas conveyed by the pipeline contains hydrogen

sulphide, carbon dioxide or oxygen the partial pressures shall not exceed the maxima notified by the Pipeline Operator.

(4) The Pipeline Operator shall notify the Commission of any new

maximum anticipated operating pressure and the provisions of subsections (2) and (3) shall apply in relation to this new maximum.

34

4. Alteration, renewal, re-positioning etc.

(1) If any defect in, damage to, want of repair or displacement of the

pipeline (including any protective coating) occurs the Pipeline Operator shall inform the Commission thereof. The Pipeline Operator shall take such remedial action as may be necessary on the pipeline. If the Commission is not satisfied with the remedial action taken on the pipeline it may direct the Pipeline Operator to take such remedial action as it may specify.

(2) Where any remedial action is to be taken on the pipeline in an

emergency, the work shall be carried out immediately and the Pipeline Operator shall

(a) Ensure immediate notification to the Commission of the

intention to carry out such remedial action; (b) Within five days of such notification, give to the

Commission such particulars as are available of the remedial action in writing; and

(c) Within one month of such notification, give to the

Commission full particulars of the remedial action in writing.

5. Discharges Substances introduced into the pipeline or any part thereof other than

those consisting entirely of untreated sea water or sweet water shall not be discharged into the sea or other waters except with the prior written consent of the Minister for Communications, Marine & Natural Resources and in accordance with any conditions which may be attached to that consent. Discharges from on-shore pipelines into rivers and inland waters shall meet conditions set out in planning consents.

6. Codes of practice Where any matter involving the operation, use or maintenance of a

sub-sea pipeline is not expressly provided for in this Schedule, the provisions of Section 7 of Schedule 2 shall where applicable be observed. In the case of on-shore pipelines the corresponding provision is the latest edition of I.S. 328.

35

Schedule 5 Information to be furnished pursuant to Article 6

1. During construction

Notification of the commencement of construction of the pipeline shall be given and progress reports on such construction shall be made each Monday in respect of the previous week; each such report shall include information on the following: (a) Details of any part of the pipeline laid during the week to which the

report relates; (b) The length and location of any trenching carried out during that

week; and (c) Details of any significant incident or factor, which could affect the

work schedule or the integrity and stability of the pipeline.

2. On completion of construction

On completion of construction notification of such completion shall be made to the Commission and the following supplied: (a) Copies of drawings to a suitable scale indicating the position of the

pipeline as constructed; (b) Copies of piping and instrumentation diagrams for the pipeline, in

a form acceptable to the Commission; (c) Where the pipeline is laid on, over or under the seabed co-ordinates

of the pipeline as laid (these should include the co-ordinates of any point at which the direction of the pipeline changes).

3. After commencement of operation

After commencement of operation, the following shall be supplied: (a) As and when the Commission may require, notification of the

pressure, temperature, capacity and the characteristics of the contents of the pipeline at any particular time, measured or assessed at any specified point of the pipeline, or of the throughput of the pipeline over any specified period;

(b) Within four months of an inspection having been carried out under

the inspection scheme, a copy of the record referred to in paragraph (7) of Article 13;

(c) At any time where it comes to the attention of the operator that the

safe operation of the pipeline may be in doubt or that there may be a risk of damage to persons or property of pollution arising from the pipeline, a report in such form as the Commission may specify;

(d) At annual intervals, commencing on the first day of -------------, a

report by the Pipeline Operator detailing the usage of the pipeline, including details of current and projected spare capacity for the following 24 months together with details of any proposals for access or connections to the pipeline;

36

(e) At least one year's notice by the Pipeline Operator in writing of its intention to cease using the pipeline for any period in excess of 24 months and stating how long that period will be.

37

Schedule 6 Abandonment of the Pipeline

1. The Pipeline Operator shall give the Commission at least one year's

notice in writing of its intention to abandon the pipeline and of the plans ("abandonment plans") in accordance with which it proposes to carry out that intention. The Pipeline Operator may only abandon the pipeline in accordance with the written consent of the Commission and in accordance with any conditions, which the Commission may impose. Such conditions may include a requirement to make specified modifications to the abandonment plans.

2. After receipt of the notice referred to in section 1 the Commission may

require the Pipeline Operator to take specified measures to ensure that the pipeline is maintained and for as long as the Commission may require in a state of repair and condition acceptable to the Commission.

3. The Commission may after abandonment in accordance with section 1

require the Pipeline Operator to carry out specific measures which in his opinion are necessary to prevent the pipeline from being or becoming a navigation or fishing hazard or a source of pollution. Without prejudice to the generality of the forgoing such measures may include:

(a) The removal of the pipeline; (b) The sealing of the end of any part of the pipeline left in

situation; and (c) The cleaning of the interior of the pipeline; and the Pipeline Operator shall as soon as practicable carry into effect

such measures.

4. Where a notice is given under section 1 the Commission may require the Pipeline Operator to transfer the pipeline or a specified interest therein to any other person on such terms as may be agreed between the Pipeline Owner and any such other person or in default of agreement such terms as may be fixed by an arbitrator chosen in such manner as the Commission may determine.

5. At any time prior to abandonment, the Pipeline Operator may apply to

the Commission for permission to withdraw a previous notice of abandonment.

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PART 4: General Information concerning Gas Pipelines The information provided in the following Tables is by way of assistance to those unfamiliar with particular local aspects of constructing gas pipelines in Ireland or in Irish waters. It is provided without prejudice and does not claim to be totally inclusive and comprehensive. There are a number of consulting engineering firms operating in Ireland who are familiar with all current requirements concerning the construction of gas pipelines and it is strongly advised that anyone contemplating the building of a pipeline in Ireland engage such assistance.

39

Table 1 - Codes and Standards for Construction of Pipelines

Application

Reference

Title

Land pipelines

IS 328 (2000) Code of Practice for Design and Installation of Gas Transmission Pipelines.

IGE/TD/1 Steel pipeline for HP gas transmission.

IGE/TD/6 Transportation, handling and Storage of Steel Pipe Valves and Fittings.

BS 8010 Code of Practice for Pipelines.

BS 7361 part 1 Cathodic Protection: Code of Protection for Land and Marine Applications.

BS1560 Section 3 Steel Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings for the Petroleum Industry.

BS 1640 Part 1 Steel Butt Welding Pipe Fittings for the Petroleum Industry.

BS 1722 Part 1 Specification for Chain Link Fences.

BS 1722 Part 7 Specification for Wooden Post and Rail Fences.

BS 1640 Part 1 Steel Butt Welding Pipe Fittings for the Petroleum Industry.

BS 5228 Noise Control on Construction and Open Sites.

BS 4142 Method of Rating Industrial Noise Affecting Mixed Residential and Industrial Areas.

BS 5345 • Part 1 (1989) • Part 2 (1983)

Selection, Installation and Maintenance of Electrical Apparatus for Use in Potentially Explosive Atmospheres.

BS 4515 Welding of Steel Pipelines on Land and Offshore.

BS 5500 Section 5 Unfired Fusion Welded Pressure Vessels.

BS 5839 Codes of Practice for System Design, Installation and Servicing.

BS CP 3 Civil Design Data.

40

Table 1 - Codes and Standards for Construction of Pipelines continued

BS 8110 Structural use of concrete.

BS 5950 Structural use of steelwork in buildings.

BS 6031 Code of practice for earthworks.

API 5L Specification for Line Pipe.

API 6D Specification for Pipeline Valves.

API RP 1102 Recommended Practice for Liquid Petroleum Pipelines Crossing Railways and Highways.

API 1104 Standard for Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities.

ANSI B31.8 Gas Transmission and Distribution Piping Systems.

ANSI B31.3 Chemical Plant and Petroleum Refinery Piping.

MSS.SP 75 High Test Wrought Butt Weld Fittings.

*Sub-sea pipelines

DNV 1996 Rules for Submarine Pipeline Systems (including line pipe requirements).

DNV RPB 401 Cathodic Protection Design.

DNV RPE 305 On Bottom Stability Design of Submarine Pipelines.

IP6 Model Code of Safe Practice for the Petroleum Industry, Part 6. Pipeline Safety Code.

IP15 (1990) Area Classification Code for Petroleum Installations.

Above Ground

Installations

ANSI B31.3 Process piping

IS 328 (2000) Code of Practice for Design and Installation of Gas Transmission Pipelines.

IGE/TD/9

Offtakes and Pressure Regulating Installations for Inlet Pressures between 7 and 100 bar.

* Note : a number of the land pipeline codes and standards also have application to sub-sea pipelines.

41

Table 1 - Codes and Standards for Construction of Pipelines continued Compressor Stations

ANSI B31.3 Process piping

ASME VIII div. 1 Boiler and pressure vessel code.

API 616/679 Gas turbines for refinery services.

API 617 Centrifugal compressors for petroleum, chemical and Gas Service Industries.

API 6601 Air cooled Exchangers for General Refinery Services

General ISO 1996 Acoustics, Description and Measurement of Environmental Noise.

ISO 9001 Quality Systems - Model for Quality Assurance in Design/Development, Production Installation and Servicing.

BS 7430 Code of Practice for Earthing

BS 5501 Electrical Apparatus for Potentially Explosive Gas Atmospheres.

BS 7671 Requirements for Electrical Installations.

42

MSS. SP 44 (1990) I.S.EN 334: 1999 I.S.EN 1762 I.S.EN 1776 I.S.EN 12186:2000 I.S.EN 12327:2001 I.S.EN 12583:2000 I.S.EN 12732:2000

Steel Pipeline Flanges 1990. Gas Pressure regulators for inlet pressures upto 100 bar Rubber hoses and hose assemblies for natural gas upto 25 bar (2,5 Mpa) - Specification Gas Supply Systems – Natural Gas measuring stations – Functional requirements. Gas Supply Systems - Gas pressure regulating stations for transmission and distribution - Functional requirements. Gas Supply Systems – Pressure testing, commissioning and decommissioning procedures – Functional requirements Gas Supply Systems – Compressor stations – Functional requirements. Gas Supply Systems – Welding Steel pipe work – Functional Requirement.

43

Table 2 -

Standards Organisations

Acronym

Standards Organisations

ANSI American National Standards Institution API American Petroleum Institute ASME American Society of Mechanical

Engineers BS British Standards Institution DNV Det Norske Veritas IGE Institution of Gas Engineers IP Institute of Petroleum IS National Standards Authority of Ireland ISO International Standards Organisation MSS Manufacturer's Standardisation Society

44

Table 3 - Contacts and Contact Organisations

Border Regional Authority Director Athbara House Cavan

Carlow County Council County Manager County Buildings Carlow

Central Fisheries Board Chief Officer

Balnagowan

Mobhi Boreen Glasnevin Dublin 9

Clare County Council County Manager County Offices New Road Ennis Co Clare

Coillte Teoranta Chief Executive Leeson Lane Dublin 2

Commission for Energy Regulation Commissioner The Exchange Belgard Square North Tallaght Dublin 24

Cork County Council County Manager County Hall Carrigrohane Street Cork

Department of Agriculture and Food Secretary General Kildare Street Dublin 2

Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs

Ard Runai Dun Aimhrigin

43 Mespil Road Dublin 4

Department of Defence Secretary general Parkgate Infirmary Road Dublin 7

Department of Environment & Local Government

Secretary General Custom House Dublin 1

Department of Arts, Sport & Tourism Secretary General Kildare Street Dublin 2

Dept of Enterprise Trade & Employment

Secretary General

Kildare Street Dublin 2

Dept of Communications, Marine & Natural Resources

Secretary General Inland Fisheries Leeson Lane Dublin 2

Department of Transport Secretary General

44 Kildare Street Dublin 2

Drogheda Port Company Secretary/CEO Maritime House The Mall Drogheda,Co Louth

Dublin Corporation Director of Traffic Assistant City Manager

Floor 4 Block 2 Civic Offices

Dublin Regional Authority Director

11 Parnell Square Dublin 1

Duchas Director

Heritage Section Parks/Wildlife/Archaeology St Stephen's Green Dublin 2

Eastern Regional Fisheries Board Manager

Balnagowan Mobhi Boreen Glasnevin Dublin 9

Electricity Supply Board Chief Executive

Lower Fitzwilliam Street Dublin 2

Enterprise Ireland Chief Executive Officer

Glasnevin Dublin 9

45

Environmental Protection Agency Director General

Johnstown Castle Estate PO Box 3000 Wexford

Fingal County Council County Manager

County Hall, Swords, Co. Dublin

Foynes Port Company Chief Executive

Harbour Office Foynes Co Limerick

Galway Corporation City Manager

City Hall College Road Galway

Galway County Council County Manager

County Hall Prospect Hill Galway

Galway Harbour Company Chief Executive

Ross House Victoria Place Galway

The Heritage Council Kilkenny

ICMSA President

John Feely House 15 Upper Mallow Street Limerick

IDA Ireland Chief Executive

Wilton Park House Wilton Place Dublin 2

Irish Farmer's Association Irish Farm Centre Bluebell Dublin 12

Irish Fisherman's Organisation Director Cumberland House Fenian Street Dublin 2

Irish Rail Manager Connolly Station Dublin 1

Kildare County Council County Manager

St Mary's Naas

Co Kildare

Kilkenny County Council County Manager

County Buildings Portlaoise Co Laois

Limerick County Council County Manager County Buildings 79-84 O'Connell Street Limerick

Longford County Council County Manager

Aras an Chontae Great Water Street Longford

Louth County Council County Manager

County Offices Dundalk Co Louth

Mayo County Council County Manager County Officer

Aras an Chontae Castlebar Co Mayo

Meath County Council Country Manger County Hall Navan Co Meath

Mid East Regional Authority Director

St Manntain's House Kilmartin Hill Wicklow

Mid West Regional Authority Chief Executive Officer

Summerhill Nenagh Co Tipperary

Midland Regional Authority Director

Bridge Centre Bridge Street Tullamore Co Offaly

46

National Roads Authority Chief Executive St Martin's House Waterloo Road Dublin 4

The National Trust for Ireland Chairman

Tailors Hall Back Lane Dublin 8

NW Regional Fisheries Board Chief Officer

Ardanree House Abbey Street Ballina Co Mayo

Offaly County Council County Manger

Courthouse Tullamore Co Offaly

Office of Public Works Chairman

51 St Stephen's Green Dublin 2

Ordnance Survey Office Director of Operations

Phoenix Park Dublin 8

Roscommon County Council County Manager

Courthouse Roscommon

Shannon Development Chief Executive

Town Centre Shannon Co Clare

Shannon Estuary Ports Chief Executive

3 Perry Square Limerick

Shannon Regional Fisheries Board Manager

Thomas Weir Limerick

Sligo County Council County Manager Riverside Sligo

South Dublin County Council County Manager

Town Centre Tallaght Dublin 24

South East Regional Authority Director

Aras Forbatha 1 Gladstone Street Clonmel

Co Tipperary

South West Regional Authority Chief Officer

Innishmore Ballincollig Co Cork

Southern Regional Fisheries Board Manager

Peworth Angelsea Street Clonmel Co Tipperary

SW Regional Fisheries Board Chief Officer

1 Neville's Terrace Masseytown Macroom Co Cork

Telecom Eireann Chief Executive

St Stephen's Green West Dublin 2

Tipperary (N.R.) County Council County Manager

Courthouse Nenagh Co Tipperary

Tipperary (S.R.) County Council County Manager

County Buildings Clonmel Co Tipperary

Udaras na Gaeltachta Chief Executive

Na Frobacha Gaillimh

UK Ambassador Dublin

Voice of Irish Concern for the Environment

Director 14 Upper Pembroke Street Dublin 2

West Regional Authorities Director

County Hall Prospect Hill Galway

47

Western Regional fisheries Board Manager

The Weir Lodge Earl's Island Galway

Western Development Commission Chief Executive

Ballaghaderreen Co Roscommon

Westmeath Country Council Country Manager

Country Buildings Mullingar Co Westmeath

Wicklow Country Council County Manager

County Buildings Wicklow

48

Table 4 - Pipeline Authorisations and Consents

Note: For illustration only, the following lists some of the licences, permissions, authorisations and consents that were required for the Scotland-Ireland gas interconnector pipeline that was constructed and commissioned in 1993.

Project Element

Authorisation

Date Granted

Subsea Pipeline

(Isle of Man Waters) Deposit Waste at Sea (Dredgings from Pipeline Route)

23 December 1992

Lease of Easement 26 February 1993 Works Authorisation 26 February 1993 LANIS Cable Crossing Agreement issued

9 March 1993

Subsea Pipeline (UK Waters)

Crown Estates Agreement Agreed 30 November 1992

Dumping Licence No. 716 11 December 1992 Pipeline Construction Authorisation

(Landfall) 15 December 1992

Dumping Licence No. 716 (Rev.1) 7 January 1993 Dumping Licence No. 722

(Temporary Disposal) 7 January 1993

Works Authorisation (Northern Section) 26 February 1993 Works Authorisation (Southern

Section) 31 March 1993

On-shore Pipeline

(Scotland) Agreement under Section 69 of Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973

Agreed 10 November 1992

Pipeline Construction Authorisation Granted 15 December 1992

Solway River Purification Board River Crossings

Granted 6 April 1993

Planning\Permissions (Landscaping) • Block Valve Stn: Castle Douglas Granted 4 June 1993 • Block Valve Stn.: Twynholm Granted 4 June 1993 • Block Valve Stn.: Belton Hill Granted 27 Sept 1993 • Block Valve Stn.: Mill Lands Granted 14 December

1993 Consent to bring a Pipeline into Use

(PL 938)

Granted 17 November 1993

Brighouse Bay

Compressor Station Planning Permission

Granted 3 November 1992

(Scotland) Agreement under Section 50 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1972

Agreed 10 November 1992

Solway River Purification Board Granted 2 November

1993 Consent for a Septic Tank Discharge

Certificate of Authorisation IPC/.035/94 to conduct a combustion process (H.M. Industrial Pollution Inspectorate)

Granted 10 October 1994

49

Subsea Pipeline (Irish Waters)

Section 8 consent under the Gas Act 1976

Draft issued 12 Feb 1992 Formally issued 1 July

1993 Loading & Dumping Licence Granted 29 January

1993 (No. 162 - Dredge Spoil) Loading & Dumping Licence Granted 29 January

1993 (No. 163 - Rock Dump) Dumping at Sea Permits Granted 7 September

1993 (No. 172, 173, & 174 - Discharge of

Hydrotest Waters)

On-shore Pipeline

(Ireland) Section 8 Consent under the Gas Act

1976 Draft issued 12 Feb 1992 Formally issued 1 July

'93 Planning Permissions • Ballough AGI Granted 19 November

1992 • Shore Station - Loughshinny Granted 10 December

1992