Commitment to the Environment

The Pacific Connector partners are committed to protecting the public, the environment and our natural resources by operating in a safe and reliable manner. We understand and respect the risks associated with the energy industry. Pipelines are the most efficient and environmentally sensitive method of transporting energy. We understand our responsibility and do our best to minimize the impact to the environment and surrounding communities.

Our commitment to the environment includes:

Environmental Assessment

Before constructing a new pipeline, environmental factors along the pipeline route are carefully researched and evaluated, including:

Our goal is to meet or exceed all applicable environmental, health and safety laws and regulations. We are committed to protecting the environment and operating our energy facilities in a safe and reliable manner.

Environmentally Sensitive Construction

It is our commitment to use superior practices and technology to ensure protection of the environment. During a construction process, we may use some of the following techniques:

To control the distribution of sediment-laden water and dissipate the energy of discharged water to reduce erosion, we use temporary devices such as straw bale dewatering structures or filter bags.

In order to prevent sediment and stockpiled soil from leaving the approved work area and entering water bodies and wetlands, or going onto roadways, we install a semi-permeable silt fence or straw bale sediment barrier. A properly installed silt fence ensures that sediment and stockpiled soil remain within the work area. It is maintained until permanent revegetation measures are successful and the site stabilized.

Slope breakers are installed on a disturbed slope to slow and direct water to reduce erosion within the work area.

We use a construction method called flumed stream crossings to protect streams from excessive sedimentation during construction.

A construction method called a horizontal directional drill (HDD) is used to install pipe beneath rivers, streams and other sensitive resources when conventional construction techniques could result in an unacceptable environmental impact.

It is important to the partners to be a good neighbor in Oregon and conduct business in a manner that protects the natural environment. We work together with any affected county and city agencies during construction or maintenance projects. We also work with state and federal agencies including: