[CANUFNET] Fwd: Roots causing damage to Gas and Oil pipelines

[Ray Morgan]

As per the subject line, I just came back from a meeting with a high profile oil company on how roots of trees/shrubs are decaying/corroding the protective coating on oil and gas pipe lines.
They are saying that because of the moisture content that surrounds the pipes, roots are attracted to this and are now "wrapping" themselves around the lines. They are claiming that this(roots causing damage) is causing the protective coating to decay or corrode, which they say, increases the risk for pipe failure.
 
The pipeline is situated on a city easement that allows for the current underground oil & gas infrastructure and for future additions, essentially it's a oil and gas easement. 
Trees and shrubs have been planted (1989) on this city easement to provide a visual barrier to the industrial and commercial areas of Regina. The company has signed an agreement to this, back in the early 90's. 
They are requesting that the plant material be removed because there is a concern that if the roots continue to corrode or decay the coating, this may cause leaks, explosions and loss of life.
 
This will have a significant impact to other areas of the municipality as there is natural gas, oil and other underground petroleum utilities. This decision could be precedence setting, even for homeowners.
I'll have our legal staff take a look into this and get their input as well.
 
There is no question that public safety is one of our first priorities here in Regina and that if a tree is of a public safety concern and we've determined this, we will remove it.
 
My questions are;
 
1. Has anyone dealt or heard of this concern before?
 
2. They have verbally indicated this, but I feel they should have data to support this. Is there any documentation out there that supports their claim? 
 
3. If the data/research is there that supports their claim, please pass this onto me.
 
Much appreciated and look forward to your response,
 
 
 
Ray Morgan
Manager, Forestry, Pest Control &
 Horticulture Branch
Parks and Open Space Department
City Operations Division
 
P: 306.777-7065
C: 306.531-5119
E: rmorgan at regina.ca 
 Regina.ca
 
 


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