Pipeline operators often work with state or federal permitting agencies to offset construction impacts through coordination with local environmental organizations and funding of projects or programs. These partnerships provide a unique opportunity for conservation organizations to secure the resources needed to complete important environmental initiatives which might otherwise be cost-prohibitive.

For example, in 2015 Williams coordinated with Donegal Chapter of Trout Unlimited (DTU) on a compensatory mitigation project in the Conowingo Creek Watershed in Lancaster County, Pa., to restore and create wetlands, stream restoration and create a forested buffer.  The project, known as the Lloyd Farm Conversation Project, provided Williams with a mitigation opportunity for the offset impacts of the Rock Springs Expansion Project, which was constructed late last year in Lancaster County, Pa., and Cecil County, Md.

Located on a tributary of the Conowingo Creek, the Lloyd Farm Conservation Project is a $345,685 environmental improvement effort made possible through Williams’ mitigation funding combined with the DTU’s 319 Grant funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

According to DTU President James Wellendorf, the restoration work at Lloyd Farm was the first time DTU had utilized mitigation funding to tackle a significant water conservation project.

“This project has broken new ground for our chapter,” said Jim.  “Throughout the entire process all parties – Williams, Pennsylvania Trout Unlimited, Trout Unlimited and Donegal Trout Unlimited – have worked together in the spirit of cooperation and of doing what is right for the environment.”

Development of the wetlands, forested buffers, and stream restoration of Lloyd Farm Conservation Project is scheduled for completion in summer of 2016 and will be monitored by DTU and Williams over the next couple of years as set forth in regulatory authorizations.