Linear Infrastructure Permitting Compliance

From CO₂ pipelines used for carbon capture and storage to broadband networks and other corridor-based utilities, linear infrastructure projects are rapidly expanding to meet growing demand and support critical policy goals like energy security and universal digital access. These projects often cross multiple jurisdictions and affect various environmental and cultural resources, making early, strategic regulatory planning essential.  

At Trihydro, we partner with project teams to proactively identify permitting needs, helping you avoid costly delays and maintain compliance throughout your project's entire lifecycle.  

Projects receiving federal funding must undergo environmental reviews mandated by key statutes, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Clean Water Act (CWA), and Endangered Species Act (ESA). These reviews aim to identify, assess, and mitigate potential impacts on ecological systems, waterways, and cultural or historic resources. 

 Even without federal funding, projects are subject to a complex landscape of state and local regulatory requirements. These include zoning ordinances, building codes, floodplain development rules, and state-level environmental protection standards. Many states also require assessments for impacts on state-listed species, wetlands, and other sensitive areas, even in the absence of federal oversight.  

Beyond funding, federal statutes like NHPA, CWA, and ESA can also be triggered if a project requires any federal permit—such as a Section 404 permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). These comprehensive reviews are mandatory, regardless of the project’s funding source. 

 By incorporating permitting and compliance planning into early project design, developers can reduce risk, avoid delays, and support the successful delivery of infrastructure projects that align with environmental and cultural stewardship objectives.