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

Thu Nov 24 15:06:03 EST 2011

Pipes are often laid into a gravel bed that acts to concentrate water in the area.  Roots would be attracted there for water and aeration, like structural soil.

Stephen Smith
Urban Forest Associates Inc.
Urban Forestry and Ecological Restoration
www.ufora.ca

From: Julian Dunster 
Sent: Thursday, November 24, 2011 2:58 PM
To: Canadian Urban Forest Network 
Subject: Re: [CANUFNET] Fwd: Roots causing damage to Gas and Oil pipelines

I thin the moisture results because of the temperature differential betwen inside and outside of the pipe, causing moisture to condense outside.

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 24/11/2011 9:55 AM, Ian Wilson wrote: 
  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

  Have City news delivered direct to your inbox. e-Subscribe

  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

  DISCLAIMER: The information transmitted is intended only for the addressee and may contain confidential, proprietary and/or privileged material. Any unauthorized review, distribution or other use of or the taking of any action in reliance upon this information is prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete or destroy this message and any copies. 
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://list.web.net/pipermail/canufnet/attachments/20111124/9741c545/attachment.htm>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: image/png
Size: 11239 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <http://list.web.net/pipermail/canufnet/attachments/20111124/9741c545/attachment.png>