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Esso Pipeline Replacement Project
Esso
Australia is replacing a 187 kilometre pipeline which transports crude
oil and condensate between its facilities at Longford and Long Island
Point. Construction will commence in early 2016 and occur over a two
year period. Esso has awarded the contract to construct the replacement
pipeline to Nacap Australia (a Quanta Services company).
The
replacement pipeline will be constructed adjacent to Esso’s existing
crude oil and condensate and LPG pipelines. Construction work will
mainly occur on private land and should not cause significant disruption
to the community.
The pipeline will allow the continued
delivery of crude oil and condensate, and will also ensure that natural
gas from our offshore Gippsland operations continues to flow to
Australian households and businesses.
The replacement
pipeline represents another significant investment in the continuation
of our Gippsland operations, which have provided crude oil, condensate,
LPG and natural gas to the Australian market since they commenced
operation in 1969.
Why is the pipeline being replaced?
The new pipeline will replace the existing 700 mm pipeline, which was constructed in 1969 and underwent a partial replacement in 1980 but is approaching the end of its operational life. This replacement pipeline will not only allow the continued delivery of crude and condensate, but will also be required so that natural gas from Esso’s offshore Gippsland operations – which is produced along with these liquids – continues to flow to Australian households and businesses. The new pipeline will be 350 mm in diameter.What will happen to the old pipeline?
The existing crude/condensate pipeline will continue to operate until the replacement pipeline has been constructed and is ready for operation. To reduce the need to disrupt landowners, occupiers and the broader community, after the completion of the construction work, Esso will clean and leave the existing pipeline in-situ, in accordance with Esso’s existing pipeline license, Australian Standard AS 2885 and the Victorian Pipelines Act 2005.
Using the existing pipeline route for the Project
The replacement pipeline is being constructed adjacent to Esso’s existing crude oil and condensate and LPG pipelines.Pre-construction surveys
A number of surveys, including environmental and cultural heritage, have been carried out prior to construction of the Project. In the lead up to construction, affected landowners and occupiers have been consulted regarding the nature, timing and location of any other surveys which are required prior to construction commencing.
Preparing for Construction
Pipeline construction involves some temporary disruptions, but careful planning and consultation has taken place to ensure that disturbances to landowners and occupiers are minimised. Preparing for construction includes the following activities:- pot-holing to prove existing pipeline and underground service locations;
- clearing alongside some public roads to provide temporary access to the pipeline easement; and
- construction of temporary fencing and temporary gates.
To facilitate the construction of the replacement pipeline, Esso has secured temporary work space in addition to, and adjacent to, the existing easement by negotiation with relevant landowners and occupiers.
Clear and grade
The temporary construction areas needed for the pipeline are clearly identified and may be fenced off.Clearing is limited to what is essential for the safe completion of construction; some obstructions, including trees and vegetation, may be removed in consultation with affected landowners and occupiers. A grader will stockpile topsoil to the side in a heaped row, prior to excavating a trench for the pipeline. Landowners and occupiers have been consulted over aspects of construction, such as timing, dust and noise management, and biosecurity – and have had the opportunity to ensure that outcomes agreed upon for a Property Management Plan are satisfactorily managed.
Stringing and bending
In pipeline construction, pipes are delivered and laid on the ground (‘strung’) ready for welding. Specialist pipe bending equipment is brought into place for any in-field bending required.Welding
Qualified welders join pipes together, and welds are inspected using x-ray or ultrasonic equipment. Fire regulations and restrictions are followed at all times. The welded joint is then coated to protect against corrosion.Trenching
A trench is excavated along the pipeline route, and material removed from the trench is placed on the side of the trench (the side that will not be used for pipeline preparation). A specialised rotary trenching machine or excavator is typically used to dig trenches. Issues such as hours of operation, dust and noise management for this machinery will be discussed with affected landowners and occupiers prior to commencement of operations.Trenchless construction
‘Trenchless construction’ is used in pipeline installation when ordinary trenching techniques are not suited to certain conditions, such as crossing under watercourses, railways or some public roads. With trenchless construction, specialist operators drill a hole beneath the surface, and then pull a welded length of pipe through the hole without disturbing or impacting the surface. These operations are highly engineered and are used in order to eliminate disturbance to properties, in environmentally sensitive areas and to address construction issues. Trenchless operations have been used routinely in pipeline construction for many years.Lowering in
After final quality assurance checks, the pipe is lowered into the trench using specialist side-boom tractors or excavators.Backfill and soil replacement
When the pipe is in place, excavated subsoil is placed back into the trench. The topsoil is then re-instated to the contour of the land so that pasture or other groundcover can be rehabilitated.Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation of work sites for the Project will be undertaken in accordance with industry standards, taking into consideration any landowner and occupier requirements. As required by Australian Standard AS 2885, permanent markers will be used to show the locations where the pipeline is installed.
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