S.F. No. 4081 - Pipeline Abandonment Summary

• Pipeline owners must provide written notice to affected landowners at least 60 days before ceasing pipeline operations, and cannot abandon a pipeline without Commissioner of Public Safety approval of an abandonment plan.

• Pipeline owners are responsible for removing all abandoned pipelines, pumping/metering/compressor stations, and ancillary equipment from landowner property within 90 days of a removal request, and must bear all financial costs including environmental cleanup and remediation.

• Pipeline owners must restore land to original condition, including restoring contours, replacing topsoil, establishing permanent vegetative cover, and controlling invasive species for five consecutive years.

• Landowners may request that abandoned pipelines be left in place by written notice, but then assume all future liabilities and removal costs; pipeline owners remain responsible only for ongoing monitoring and inspection costs.

• Abandonment plans must include detailed information on pipeline composition, facilities, adjacent land uses, environmental resources, removal procedures, land reclamation activities, financial assurance, and post-abandonment monitoring, with public hearings required and consultation with landowners, tribal governments, and environmental organizations.