Articles
The importance of proper ROW vegetation management
October 15, 2024
PRESENTED BY
Effective vegetation management along pipeline rights-of-way (ROW) is crucial for maintaining pipeline integrity, ensuring public safety, and complying with regulatory requirements. As the oil and gas industry continues to expand, the importance of proper vegetation control cannot be overstated.
An aerial view of a ROW. Photo credit: Nathan Hammer, Cushing, Oklahoma
PHMSA Regulations and Guidance
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has established regulations and guidelines for pipeline vegetation management. While not highly prescriptive, these regulations require transmission pipeline operators to maintain their ROWs to allow for inspection of surface conditions and ensure pipeline safety4.
Key aspects of PHMSA's approach include:
1. Maintaining clear visibility from ground to sky for monitoring and damage prevention
2. Ensuring easy access for maintenance activities
3. Keeping ROW vegetation from hindering pipeline inspection and maintenance
PHMSA encourages pipeline operators to notify affected stakeholders before implementing ROW maintenance activities and to explain the necessity of vegetation management5.
Importance of Proper Vegetation Management
Proper vegetation management is critical for several reasons:
1. Safety: Overgrown vegetation can obscure pipeline markers and hinder emergency response efforts.
2. Inspection and Maintenance: Clear ROWs allow for easier aerial and ground-based inspections, facilitating the identification of potential issues1.
3. Pipeline Integrity: Tree roots can damage pipeline coatings, potentially leading to corrosion and compromising pipeline integrity5.
4. Regulatory Compliance: Maintaining clear ROWs helps operators comply with federal and state regulations.
5. Wildfire Prevention: In certain regions, proper vegetation management can reduce wildfire risks and intensity2.
Dangers of Improper Management
Failing to properly manage vegetation along pipeline ROWs can lead to severe consequences:
1. Pipeline Damage: Encroaching root systems can wrap around pipelines, making access difficult and potentially causing pipeline ruptures1.
2. Increased Maintenance Costs: Neglected vegetation requires more intensive and expensive removal methods over time.
3. Environmental Risks: Improper management can lead to the spread of invasive species and reduce habitat quality for native flora and fauna.
4. Safety Hazards: Overgrown vegetation can conceal pipeline markers, increasing the risk of accidental damage during excavation activities.
Best Practices for Vegetation Management
Implementing an Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) approach can provide numerous benefits, including cost savings, improved environmental outcomes, and enhanced pipeline safety2. Some effective practices include:
1. Selective Herbicide Use: Targeted application of herbicides can control undesirable vegetation while promoting the growth of compatible species.
2. Mechanical Methods: Mowing, brush-hogging, and selective trimming can maintain clear ROWs.
3. Native Plant Promotion: Encouraging the growth of native, low-growing vegetation can create a stable ecosystem that naturally suppresses incompatible plants.
Keystone Energy Group's vegetation management professionals understand the complexities of pipeline ROW maintenance. Their expertise in implementing IVM strategies helps pipeline operators maintain compliance, reduce costs, and protect the environment while ensuring the safety and integrity of their pipeline systems.
When proper vegetation management is prioritized, pipeline operators can protect their assets, ensure public safety, and demonstrate their commitment to the great outdoors.
Citations:
[1] https://pgjonline.com/magazine/2022/june-2022-vol-249-no-6/features/getting-creative-with-vegetation-management-in-pipeline-rows
[2] https://www.techlinenews.com/articles/benefits-integrated-vegetation-management-oil-gas-pipelines.html
[4] https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/comm/pipa/pipa_practice_ND15.htm
[5] https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/comm/pipa/pipa_practice_bl12.htm
Citations:
[1] https://pgjonline.com/magazine/2022/june-2022-vol-249-no-6/features/getting-creative-with-vegetation-management-in-pipeline-rows
[2] https://www.techlinenews.com/articles/benefits-integrated-vegetation-management-oil-gas-pipelines.html
[3] https://acrt.com/industries/pipeline-vegetation-management/
[4] https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/comm/pipa/pipa_practice_ND15.htm
[5] https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/comm/pipa/pipa_practice_bl12.htm
[6] https://www.aidash.com/pipeline-encroachment-what-can-the-oil-and-gas-industry-do-to-mitigate-the-crisis/
[7] https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/docs/regulatory-compliance/pipeline/enforcement/5781/o-m-enforcement-guidance-part-195-7-21-2017.pdf
[8] https://lanracorp.com/phmsa-and-row-clearing/