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

[Julian Dunster]

The moisture issue and how it attracts roots to pipes has been known for 
years. I recall Matheck discussing it and I am sure it is documented. I 
have never heard of the corrosion aspect before. Ask for some evidence 
showing that roots have caused the corrosion.

On Behalf of Dunster and Associates Environmental Consultants Ltd.


Dr. Julian A Dunster R.P.F., M.C.I.P., ISA Certified Arborist,
ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist # 378,
PNWISA Certified Tree Risk Assessor # 1.

www.dunster.ca


On 23/11/2011 7:40 AM, Ray Morgan wrote:
> 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 <mailto:rmorgan at regina.ca>
>  Regina.ca
>
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