Iowa Administrative Code
Agency 199 - Utilities Commission
Chapter 10 - Intrastate Gas Pipelines and Underground Gas Storage
Rule 199-10.13 - Crossings of Highways, Railroads, and Rivers

(1) Iowa Code chapter 479 gives the commission primary authority over the routing of pipelines. However, highway and railroad authorities and environmental agencies may have a jurisdictional interest in the routing of the pipeline, including requirements that permits or other authorizations be obtained prior to construction of crossings of highway or railroad right-of-way, or rivers or other bodies of water.

(2) Approval of other authorities need not be obtained prior to petitioning the commission for a pipeline permit. It is recommended that the appropriate other authorities be contacted to determine what restrictions or conditions may be placed on the crossing by those authorities and to obtain information on any proposed reconstruction or relocation of existing facilities which may impact the routing of the pipeline. Approvals and any restrictions, conditions, or relocations of existing facilities are required to be filed with the commission prior to the granting of the permit. A pipeline company may request commission approval to begin construction on a segment of a pipeline prior to obtaining all necessary consents for construction of the entire pipeline.

(3) Pipeline routes which include crossings of highway or railroad right-of-way longitudinally on such right-of-way shall not be constructed unless a showing of consent by the appropriate authority has been provided by the pipeline company as required in paragraph 10.3(1)"e."