Technical Restrictions in the Vicinity of Incukalns UGS

The purpose of this material is to inform real estate owners and other interested parties about the restrictions on economic activities and safety requirements within the protection zones of the Inčukalns Underground Gas Storage facilities (natural gas storage wells, gas pipelines with pressure above 1.6 megapascals, natural gas compressor stations, natural gas collection points, etc.) (hereinafter – Inčukalns UGS facilities), as well as about the restrictions on economic activities within the nationally significant subsurface plot “Inčukalns Natural Gas Storage”.

The operation of the Inčukalns Underground Gas Storage is ensured by the Inčukalns Underground Gas Storage structural unit of the joint-stock company Conexus Baltic Grid, whose main activities include natural gas injection (during the summer period), storage, and withdrawal (during the winter period). Natural gas is transported through pipelines under very high pressure (above 1.6 megapascals); therefore, in accordance with the Protection Zone Law, operational and safety protection zones have been established for the Inčukalns UGS facilities.

The main purpose of operational protection zones is to ensure the efficient and safe operation of Inčukalns UGS facilities and their development potential.

The main purpose of safety protection zones is to ensure environmental and human safety during the operation of Inčukalns UGS facilities and in the event of possible accidents, as well as to protect both the facilities themselves and other facilities located nearby.

Since 1 February 2025, the current encumbrances applicable to real estate are determined by the State Land Service using data available in the Encumbered Territory Information System.

Information on the current encumbrances applicable to the real estate (including protection zones of the Inčukalns UGS facilities, if such encumber the property) is available free of charge to real estate owners in the information system maintained by the State Land Service HERE.

Operational protection zones

In accordance with Article 22 of the Protection Zone Law, the following operational protection zones are established for Inčukalns UGS facilities:

  • around natural gas storage wells – within 50 meters from the well;
  • around natural gas compressor stations – within 10 meters from the fence;
  • around natural gas collection points – within 10 meters from the fence;
  • around gas pipelines with pressure above 1.6 megapascals – within 15 meters on each side of the pipeline axis.

Safety protection zones

In accordance with Article 32.2 of the Protection Zone Law, the following safety protection zones are established for Inčukalns UGS facilities:

  • around storage wells located outside the gas storage area and wells not connected to the storage reservoir – within 100 meters of the well;
  • around storage wells located in the storage area and connected to the reservoir – within 300 meters of the well;
  • around natural gas compressor stations – within 450 meters of the compressor station equipment;
  • around natural gas collection points – within 300 meters of the fence / protective structures;
  • around gas pipelines with pressure above 1.6 megapascals and diameter up to 300 mm – within 75 meters on each side of the pipeline axis;
  • diameter 300–600 mm – within 125 meters on each side;
  • diameter 600–800 mm – within 150 meters on each side.

In the territories of protection zones established under the Protection Zone Law, restrictions on the use of real estate apply: general restrictions, restrictions in operational protection zones, and restrictions in safety protection zones.

General restrictions and safety requirements

General restrictions are set out in Article 35 of the Protection Zone Law. The following general restrictions and safety requirements apply near and within the protection zones of Inčukalns UGS facilities:

  • Employees of the Inčukalns Underground Gas Storage must be allowed access to UGS facilities located on the property and to their protection zones to ensure maintenance and carry out necessary operational, repair, reconstruction, or renewal work (Article 61(11)).
  • Exercise caution during the fire‑hazard season (spring–summer). Property owners must maintain fire‑safe conditions around UGS facilities, preventing the growth of dry grass and avoiding the planting of shrubs or trees at distances specified in Cabinet Regulation No. 982 (2006).
  • Avoid approaching UGS facilities unnecessarily, do not enter fenced-off areas, and never touch above-ground equipment.
  • Pay attention to informational signs in pipeline and well protection zones and follow their requirements.
  • Immediately report any security incidents or signs of potential threats (e.g., unattended objects—cars, bags, packages, containers, etc.).
  • In the event of natural gas leakage (e.g., hissing or bubbling in the ground), explosions, or fire, immediately notify the Inčukalns UGS and the State Fire and Rescue Service.

Restrictions in operational protection zones

According to Article 56, the following restrictions apply in operational protection zones around pipelines, gas supply equipment, gas storage, and other related structures:

  • prohibited to install waste disposal sites;
  • prohibited to dump heavy items or discharge corrosive or hazardous substances;
  • prohibited to carry out blasting or mineral extraction;
  • prohibited to obstruct access to pipelines or other gas infrastructure;
  • prohibited to engage in activities connected with land flooding;
  • prohibited to plant trees or shrubs in areas defined in the protection zone methodology;
  • prohibited to construct any buildings;
  • prohibited to place storage for fodder, fertilizers, hazardous chemicals, timber, flammable or highly flammable substances;
  • prohibited to establish fuel stations;
  • prohibited to construct piers or conduct dredging or soil extraction;
  • prohibited to hinder gas supply company employees (Inčukalns UGS staff) performing maintenance or emergency work;
  • without written agreement with Conexus Baltic Grid:
    • prohibited to perform hot works, pile driving, or use impact mechanisms >100 kW;
    • prohibited to perform earthworks deeper than 0.3 m (or 0.45 m in arable land);
    • prohibited to conduct geological or geodetic investigations involving drilling;
    • prohibited to construct, rebuild, or renovate engineering structures;
    • prohibited to install roads or crossings;
    • prohibited to perform other works that may interfere with the operation or damage infrastructure.

Restrictions in safety protection zones

According to Article 58.2, the following restrictions apply in safety protection zones around gas pipelines, regulating stations, compressor stations, storage wells, liquefied gas storage, and filling stations:

  • prohibited to construct new buildings or convert non-residential buildings into residential buildings without a written agreement with the facility owner (Conexus Baltic Grid);
  • prohibited to construct or open new sports, educational, or recreational facilities;
  • prohibited to establish playgrounds or recreational zones;
  • prohibited to hold public events;
  • prohibited to perform any activities that compromise environmental or human safety during facility operation or potential emergencies;
  • the pipeline owner (Conexus Baltic Grid), together with the road administrator, ensures a stopping prohibition for vehicles within the safety protection zones.

Restrictions in the nationally significant subsurface plot “Inčukalns Natural Gas Storage”

Cabinet Regulation No. 186 (22 March 2022) sets restrictions for any economic activity conducted below 200 meters depth in this subsurface area.

Activity restrictions and responsibilities

Any person (public, legal, or natural) planning to perform work near Inčukalns UGS facilities must:

  • conclude a written agreement for excavation work within operational protection zones (Protection Zone Law, Article 35(6) and 56(13)). Application via the Conexus Baltic Grid website: Activities / Activities in Conexus protection zones / Application for work in protection zones;
  • conclude a written agreement for rebuilding buildings within safety protection zones (Protection Zone Law, Article 35(6) and 58.2(1)). Applications via [email protected] or e‑address;
  • obtain written approval from Conexus Baltic Grid if planning to drill deeper than 200 m in the subsurface plot (Regulation No. 186). Coordination via the Construction Information System; prior information exchange via [email protected] or e‑address.

Failure to comply may cause dangerous situations, property damage, loss of life, and interruptions in gas supply. Violators may be held criminally, civilly, or administratively liable.

Contacts

Questions related to performing work in protection zones or other zone-related matters:
Conexus Baltic Grid – Technical Requirements and Protection Zone Supervision Unit
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 67087900
Address: Stigu 14, Riga, LV‑1021

Questions related to building reconstruction in safety zones or restrictions in the subsurface plot:
Inčukalns Underground Gas Storage
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Phone: 67048000

Gas leaks, fire, or other emergencies:
112 – Emergency Services
67048017, 67048019, 29440121 – Inčukalns UGS 24/7 dispatchers