Construction on Arbuckle Pipeline has begun and is expected to be in service by the first quarter of 2009. The pipe, made of high-strength steel and coated with a protective layer to prevent corrosion, will vary from 12 to 16 inches in diameter. The pipe will generally be buried three feet below the ground surface, as required by the U.S. liquids regulation Title 49 CFR Part 195, as specified by the Office of Pipeline Safety in the U.S. Department of Transportation.

All regulations regarding construction of an NGL pipeline will be complied with, and approved construction methods and qualified contractors will be used to build the pipeline. Environmental inspectors will be assigned to construction areas to monitor compliance with all local, state and federal rules and regulations. Lands, roads and other facilities will be restored to their previous condition.

Construction Steps
The first step involves surveying the route and staking the construction right of way. The right of way is cleared and graded, if necessary, to create a working surface suitable for construction equipment and workers. A trench is dug for the new pipeline. The depth of the trench may vary according to local conditions but will comply with regulatory standards.

Sections of pipe are laid along the right of way. When necessary, pipe sections are bent to conform to the contour of the land. The pipe is welded together by qualified pipeline welders. The welds are X-rayed to verify their integrity and coated. The entire pipeline coating is inspected prior to the pipe being lowered in the trench.

After the pipeline is installed, the trench is backfilled. The pipeline is filled with water and safely pressure-tested to validate its design strength. Finally, the construction area is restored and monitored in accordance with permit requirements and landowner agreements.

View diagram of pipeline contruction stages.