Shell Pipeline Route Analysis

TBS developed 16 alternate routes to parallel existing corridors that contained pipelines, utility lines, and railroad grades in order to minimize environmental impacts. Site visits and National Wetland Inventory digital shape files were used to quantify wetlands and estimate mitigation costs. Environmental engineers identified protected species and cultural resources within a mile of each potential route to determine requisite permits. Avoidance areas were mapped, including scenic streams, wildlife management areas, major roadways, and navigable waterway crossings. For construction and commercial reasons, the shortest proposed route to deliver product to both the Plantation and Colonial terminals was 65 miles; horizontal directional drilling was recommended to minimize environmental and urban impacts.