PETROLEUM DIRECTORY: Golder buys pipeline permitting firm

Golder Associates Inc. has acquired PIC Technologies, Inc., a Colorado- and Wyoming-based firm specializing in environmental permitting for natural gas pipelines and oil and gas development. The buyout was announced Jan. 31.

PIC’s six-person team will join Golder’s Denver office, expanding the company’s capabilities in the interstate pipeline permitting market. The group has expertise in dealing with regulations of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and in seeking approvals under the National Environmental Policy Act.

“Our new team can now better assist U.S. pipeline companies in obtaining agency authorizations to build new pipelines, as well as to maintain existing ones,” said Steve Thompson, president of Golder Asssociates.

PIC recently completed an environmental assessment for Questar’s proposed gas field development near Pinedale, Wyo., and the group is now assisting Williams Cos. in getting permits for a new 80-mile loop pipeline in western Washington.

Golder Associates is the U.S. operating company of the international Golder Associates, which has 3,600 workers and is employee-owned. The groups’ offices specialize in ground engineering and environmental services.