Pipeline Construction & Land Use

Prior to construction of the new section of pipeline, MPL will negotiate a right-of-way easement and compensation for the easement with each property owner. This easement agreement allows the construction, operation and maintenance of the pipeline. The negotiations with individual property owners are currently underway.

Construction of the pipeline would likely begin in mid-2009 and be completed in 2010.

The Construction Process
In brief, pipeline construction proceeds in an assembly line fashion. The first step begins with surveying and delineation of permitted work areas, followed by clearing the area along the pipeline route. Erosion and environmental control measures are installed, such as timber matting for crossing wetlands and streams. Grading of the right of way follows to permit construction vehicle access.

Next comes the ditching to create the bed in which the pipeline will lay. Pipelines are typically buried at a depth of 3-4 feet to the top of the pipe, depending on site-specific conditions. Sections of pipe are strung alongside the open ditch; welded together and the weld joints are x-rayed and coated. The pipeline is assembled above ground, section by section, before being lowered into the ground by a series of cranes.

Once a finished section of the pipeline has been lowered into the ground, the ditch is backfilled and the area receives final grading. When original topsoil is separated during excavation, it is replaced last. The construction site is cleaned up and the right of way is replanted with vegetation that will not threaten the long-term safe operation of the pipeline. Farmland will be returned to agricultural use.

In addition, the pipeline will need to cross the River Raisin en route to the Detroit refinery. Initial plans are to install the crossing using Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) techniques, which establishes a drill path underneath the river so that the riverbed and surrounding areas are not disturbed.

Horizontal Directional Drill
HDD involves drilling a pilot hole from one side of the river to the other. The pilot hole is relatively small compared to the carrier pipe and enlarged by using a series of enlarging “reamers”. On the side of the river that does not have the drill rig, the crossing pipe is pre-welded, x-rayed, coated, hydrotested (a pressurized water test to identify weakness in the pipe) and placed on rollers. Once completed, the crossing pipe "string" is connected to the drill pipe and the drill rig "pulls" the pipe through the reamed opening into place. The pipe is inspected for coating damage, as it exits the pullback, and again hydrotested when the overall mainline is hydrotested.

After Construction
Following construction, property owners will need to keep the right of way free of certain structures and other physical obstructions. Homes, buildings and other permanent structures typically should be at least 50 feet from the pipeline. Driveways, parking lots and other surface uses may be allowed but must be designed in accordance with company guidelines designed to safeguard the pipeline.

The pipeline will not interfere with typical farming practices. However, trees and shrubs taller than 3 feet are not allowed within 25 feet on either side of the pipeline. If trees are planted near the pipeline, the base of the tree should be planted at least 30 feet from the pipeline.

Before doing any excavation work in or the near a right of way, landowners and contractors must call the Michigan “Miss Dig” system at least 72 hours before the digging is scheduled to begin. A trained technician will identify and mark the location of the pipeline.

More on Rights of Way
For more details on land use provisions in right-of-way areas, visit www.marathonpipeline.com and click on the Resources link.