ENSR Provides Environmental Management To NiSource's US Natural Gas Pipeline Conservation Initiative
Environmental firm to prepare habitat conservation plan for endangered species across 17 states and 17,000 miles of pipeline corridor
Westford, MA - ENSR will complete a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for NiSource Gas Transmission & Storage Company's existing natural gas transmission facilities system, stretching 17,000 miles from the Gulf Coast to New England.
Working collaboratively with 17 states and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), ENSR and NiSource will develop a comprehensive HCP for Endangered Species Act (ESA) compliance for the projected construction and maintenance work along the system applicable for the next 50 years.
ENSR, part of AECOM, is a leading global environmental firm. NiSource is a Fortune 500 company engaged in natural gas transmission, storage and distribution.
Under NiSource's direction, ENSR is responsible for completing the HCP in coordination with the FWS and other state and federal agencies, including the Federal Energy Regulation Commission (FERC) and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). ENSR will also provide pertinent information to the third-party contractor hired by FWS to complete the Environmental Impact Statement – a document which outlines the environmental impact of major projects or actions that fall under federal jurisdiction.
The HCP developed by ENSR covers all federally listed, proposed, and candidate plant and animal species - at least 75 plant and animal species in 17 states – which exist in the same geographic locations as NiSource's existing pipeline systems, as well as future projects within a half-mile of the existing system. This comprehensive and sustainable environmental approach is intended to improve conservation of endangered species and their habitats, as well as protect these natural resources in the course of NiSource's business activities
"The level of collaboration between ENSR, NiSource, the FWS, and other experts on this milestone project is unprecedented," explained Gabrielle Borin, ENSR Senior Project Manager. "By working together and incorporating sustainability into a master plan, NiSource is greatly enhancing its pipeline system's long-term viability. We are proud to be part of this groundbreaking work, which may be a model for future landscape-scale, endangered species conservation and compliance programs."
Natural gas is in high demand domestically because it is the cleanest source of fossil fuel power. Because many existing North American natural gas pipelines already operate near capacity, streamlined permitting processes for pipeline infrastructure projects are one of the best ways to address growing demand for energy.
About ENSR
ENSR is a leading worldwide environmental firm serving industrial clients and government agencies with 2,500 employees from 90 global offices. ENSR provides sustainable comprehensive consulting, engineering, remediation, and environmental health and safety (EHS) solutions. ENSR is the recipient of numerous industry, client EHS, business achievement and organizational innovation awards.
About AECOM
AECOM is a global provider of professional technical and management support services to a broad range of markets, including transportation, facilities, environmental and energy. With more than 32,000 employees around the world, AECOM is a leader in all of the key markets that it serves. AECOM provides a blend of global reach, local knowledge, innovation and technical excellence in delivering solutions that enhance and sustain the world's built, natural and social environments. AECOM serves clients in more than 60 countries and had revenue of $4.2 billion during fiscal year 2007.
SOURCE: ENSR