HF4360 Summary

• Pipeline owners must provide written notice to landowners at least 60 days before ceasing pipeline operations and must obtain commissioner approval of an abandonment plan before abandoning any pipeline in Minnesota.

• Pipeline owners are responsible for removing all abandoned pipelines and infrastructure from landowner property within 90 days of purging the pipeline, unless the landowner requests in writing that the pipeline be left in place.

• Pipeline owners must restore abandoned pipeline land by controlling erosion, replacing topsoil, establishing permanent vegetation, and removing invasive plant species for five years, with all costs borne by the pipeline owner.

• Landowners may request pipelines be left in place, but then assume all future liabilities including removal and environmental remediation costs, except the pipeline owner remains responsible for ongoing monitoring and inspection.

• Pipeline abandonment plans must include detailed pipeline descriptions, maps, environmental assessments, consultation with stakeholders and tribal governments, public hearings, and performance measures for the abandonment process.