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

[Ian Wilson]

I don't understand this - why is there a higher moisture content around
the pipes?  Is it because the pipe intercepts some of the soil moisture?
Julian if you know of any research please pass it along.

 

I've had many people claim that tree roots break sewer lines because
they "know" there is water in the pipe but in my experience the roots
only capitalize on pipes that are already leaking or cracked (and
obviously they don't "know" what is in the pipe)

 

Ian Wilson

 

Ian Wilson, Park Services Manager
Park Services 

 

TEL 250 469-8842

FAX 250 862-3335


City of Kelowna 1359 KLO road, Kelowna, BC  V1W 3N8  kelowna.ca
<http://www.kelowna.ca> 

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From: canufnet-bounces at list.web.net
[mailto:canufnet-bounces at list.web.net] On Behalf Of Julian Dunster
Sent: Thursday, November 24, 2011 9:32 AM
To: Canadian Urban Forest Network
Subject: Re: [CANUFNET] Fwd: Roots causing damage to Gas and Oil
pipelines

 

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

 Regina.ca

 

 

 

 

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