Gas Transmission Pipeline Standards for Underground Utilities

IMS ExpertServices™ sought an underground utilities expert for a case involving buried gas transmission pipelines. A worker was operating a bulldozer-type tractor performing a process known as agriculture deep ripping which involves penetrating the ground, usually between 48 to 72 inches. The ripping crew was aware that there were buried gas transmission pipelines in the area and knew they were reasonably shallow. The pipeline was located and marked with paddles, which are rectangular orange and white warning signs. The crew went beyond the area marked and the teeth of the ripper punctured a gas pipeline, causing it to ignite.

IMS ExpertServices™ was asked to locate an expert knowledgeable about cover, or the amount of dirt over the pipeline, and familiar with how cover can be compromised due to erosion. Additionally, the expert would need to be knowledgeable of the industry custom and practice of cover protecting subsurface, high pressure gas transmission pipelines, and the safety protocol of notifying a One Call service to locate and mark the location of the pipeline.

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Gas Engineering & Operations Expert

This underground utilities expert has more than 40 years of experience in Gas Engineering and Operations. His career has included working for a public utility commission and several gas utilities throughout the Southwest. At one point in his career he managed the construction of a gas transmission line through California and into Mexico. He worked in the industry throughout the time period (1970s) when the codes for line cover depths were established and he is deeply familiar with issues of cover, the requirements for One Call, and the dangers of digging/ripping. IMS Reference #4976486

Gas Transmission Pipelines Expert

This underground utilities expert has been in the gas industry since 1973. He is very experienced in the regulations concerning interstate gas transmission pipelines as well as intrastate lines. He has previously been responsible for all aspects of planning and building a high pressure gas transmission pipeline in the western U.S. He helped to promote a very aggressive stance on the importance of One Call to identify the location of underground lines. IMS Reference #4976243

Gas Transmission Pipelines Expert

This underground utilities expert has been in the gas and pipeline industry for more than 40 years. He is a specialist in pipeline ruptures and failures. As such, he is frequently asked to investigate all possible contributing factors, including depth of cover, movement and conditions. He has worked in several states and is familiar with the federal regulations for interstate gas transmission lines. IMS Reference #4976238