Pipeline Construction & Repair

Earthwork activity, such as excavation, directional drilling, regrading, fill placement, and stockpiling of material, requires proper soil management and silt and erosion control. Silt and sediment can become pollutants when present in surface run-off, which can occur from rain events or work-generated water such as site dewatering, hydrostatic testing/flushing, slurries generated for trenchless construction, dust suppression over-application, or accidental release of fluids contained in drums, totes, and ASTs. Improper erosion control/soil management can allow silt and sediment-contaminated run-off to enter storm drainage systems or migrate directly or indirectly to surface waters. Silts and sediments can damage or block storm drain systems, cause catch basins to lose treatment efficiency, and severely damage water quality, off-site property, aquatic systems, and drinking water sources.

Operations such as clearing the right-of-way, constructing access roads, chemical application of herbicides, and soil compaction from heavy construction vehicles can severely impact ecosystems. Inadequate erosion controls, stormwater management, clearing/grading, and restoration can directly impact streambanks, wetlands, surface vegetation/tree canopy, and surface waters and harm wildlife, aquatic systems, and other natural resources.

Construction equipment may be powered by diesel fuel and require petroleum-based hydraulic fluids and lubricants. Spills or leaks can occur during refueling or maintenance, contaminating jobsite soil and the business equipment yard.

Hydrostatic testing, flushing, or disinfecting activities produce wastewater that must be properly handled, stored, and disposed of and may be regulated. The wastewater can contain chemicals and raw material in the pipe or chlorination chemicals from disinfection. The contractor is responsible for wastewater treatment, proper disposal, and containment to prevent damage to surrounding ecosystems, soil erosion, and discharge into downstream storm drains.

Pre-existing contamination may occur in site soil or building structure materials. Disturbance could spread contamination to clean areas of the site or adjacent properties and create environmental liability in the transportation and disposal of any excavated material.

Failure to properly locate underground utilities or unknown hazards, such as abandoned storage tanks and septic tanks, could result in striking a line or an accidental puncture, which could cause a subsequent release of fuel oil, chemicals, toxic gases, or sewage.

Asbestos-containing materials (ACM) and other toxic materials may be present inside pipe walls, coatings, and pipe-wrapping of older pipes. Repair, renovation, recoating, or removal of older piping can disturb existing ACM and other toxic materials, resulting in environmental cleanup and tort liability. Any piping containing ACM or wastes generated from abatement work is regulated as hazardous waste and must follow procedures for handling, labeling, transporting, and disposing at an approved facility. The contractor can be considered a waste generator and retain cradle-to-grave liability.

Particulates PM10/PM2.5 can become airborne from heavy equipment trafficking across the site, trenching or digging under dry soil conditions, cutting or sawing pipe, jackhammering concrete or pavement cover, or handling and mixing dry concrete, mortar, cement, mastics, or resins. Particulates generated can migrate off-site, expose third parties to nuisance dust and allergens, cause respiratory illnesses, and may even contain carcinogens.