Government Oversight

Federal and state regulations mandate how underground gas storage facilities are constructed and operated. Storage facilities, such as the Totem Natural Gas Storage Project, fall within the primary oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

The FERC authorizes the siting, construction, and operation of the storage facility if it is determined by the FERC to serve the public convenience and necessity. Additionally, other factors and considerations are reviewed to ensure that the Project will be constructed and operated in accordance with applicable laws protecting environmental resources, including the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, National Historic Preservation Act, and other such legislation. As the lead federal agency, the FERC will have the responsibility to assure compliance with these laws and related regulations.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will also review the project for compliance with the Clean Water Act, working with the FERC in project review and permitting.

Within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s oversight for storage projects are programs involving underground injection control, air, and waste.

Once natural gas pipeline and storage projects are permitted and become operational, safety is regulated, monitored, and enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation and its Office of Pipeline Safety under regulations of the 1968 Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Act.

At the state level, there are additional rules and regulations that apply to natural gas storage development and operation, but they vary based on each state’s laws and regulatory oversight.