#2010-418Ordinance No. 2010-418 of April 27, 2010, Harmonizing Provisions Regarding the Safety and Declaration of Public Utility of Pipelines for Transporting Gas, Hydrocarbons, and Chemicals
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The law harmonizes regulations concerning the safety and public utility declaration of pipelines for transporting gas, hydrocarbons, and chemicals in France. It establishes comprehensive guidelines for the approval process of constructing and operating such pipelines, emphasizing risk assessment, public inquiries, and environmental protection. The law also incorporates provisions for technical controls and penalties for non-compliance, ensuring oversight by relevant governmental authorities.
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Key Changes
- Introduction of a new chapter in the Environmental Code specifically for pipelines transporting gas, hydrocarbons, and chemicals.
- Establishment of regulations that require impact studies and public inquiries before the construction of hazardous pipelines.
- Define penalties for unauthorized construction or operation of pipelines, including substantial fines and imprisonment.
Obligations
What this law requires
Obtain authorization before constructing and operating transport pipelines for natural gas, liquid or liquefied hydrocarbons, and chemical products that present notable dangers or inconveniences to public health, safety, agriculture, environment, or cultural heritage
Submit a hazard study (étude de dangers) with the authorization application that specifies risks to protected interests, analyzes probability and severity of potential accidents using standardized methodology, and defines measures to reduce accident probability and effects
Conduct an environmental impact study and public inquiry prior to authorization when required under chapters II or III of title II of book I of the environmental code
Obtain opinion from the competent consultative commission on technological risks (commission consultative compétente en matière de risques technologiques) before authorization is granted
Comply with technical and operational prescriptions issued by ministerial decree regarding design, construction, commissioning, operation, surveillance, maintenance, modifications, and temporary or permanent closure of transport pipelines