"We've done this on many projects involving stream crossings," said Charlie Stinson, NW Natural's Director of Project Development. "We are very careful to not damage sensitive streamside areas during the work, and afterward the pipe is a safe depth underground."
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| Welders work on 24-inch diameter pipe as part of the Battle Creek project. Working in a sensitive streamside area, crews moved and replaced two essential sections of pipe serving the Mist underground gas storage facility. |
NW Natural works continually on several fronts to enhance the safety and reliability of the system.
Pipeline Services Team. A specialized team focuses on high pressure steel pipes. While most of the company's pipeline system now uses polyethylene pipes, the main backbone of the delivery system is steel. Maintaining it requires highly trained work teams with extensive steel experience.
Geo-hazard. A full-time geologist keeps tabs on the rainfall in areas of geologic interest. Working with Pipeline Services staff, geologist Jack Meyer analyzes the stability of our system and recommends adjustments to ensure safety. NW Natural is working proactively to avert damage from landslides and ground movements of all kinds.
Corrosion and Leakage Control. Experienced teams work on both of these issues. The company prevents corrosion-induced leakage on steel systems by protecting them with low-level electrical current. This counteracts the effects of electrolysis, a chemical reaction that causes corrosion in metal placed underground. The entire gas system is routinely surveyed for leakage and repair work to be planned and completed when needed.
The goal of all this work is to make sure NW Natural's gas transmission system is safe, reliable and flexible enough to serve customers today and in the future.
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