One of the main arguments against pipeline companies is that they “destroy the environment”. But…
The Future of Right-of-Way Maintenance in 2019
The U.S. drilling rig count is up again from last year. Just last week, Baker Hughes announced that there are 1,076 active rigs in the United States, which is 136 more than last year. Based on this observation, the industry should be coming back even stronger in 2019.
With the Gulf booming and the economy on the upswing, oil and gas companies will be doing more drilling this year. With that, there will be a need for increased ROW maintenance. Texas currently holds the greatest number of rigs in the United States, with 533 in total. After observing the Baker Hughes state-by-state rig count breakdown, it is safe to say that the overall rig count projects a healthy outlook for the oil and gas industry in February as well as following months.
But what does this mean for a pipeliner? If you are in charge of carefully transporting natural gas, refined petroleum, or crude oil through nationwide piping systems, how does this affect you?
For the majority of oil and gas experts, confidence goes up with the industry. With stable oil prices, lower production costs, and less concerns about global economic setbacks, pipeliners should be able to sleep peacefully this year.
Ramping up Infrastructure
While pipeliners and their companies are scrambling to support this energy boom, the cost of maintaining and building pipeline infrastructure has increased. This includes an increased cost for pipeline maintenance, such as right-of-way clearing.
Right-of-ways are typically passageways that avoid structures, buildings, and trees. Oftentimes, pipeline markers are positioned within a ROW, but with time, these markers can become harder to see due to vegetative growth. Because operators must have quick access to the pipeline for routine inspections and emergencies, ROW maintenance is vital. This process includes moving brush, trees, fences, shrubs, and other structures out of the way of the pipeline.
The root systems of large shrubs and trees can grow around or against pipelines, destroying their coating as well as denting the pipes. This damage can create leaks, which is incredibly dangerous to not only pipeliners, but residents in surrounding areas as well.
Let Stan’s help you keep up with the booming industry this year. We can help you maintain your pipelines in hard-to-access areas like swamps and wetlands.
Oil and gas experts depend on us to aid in all aspects of pipeline maintenance and construction in the wetlands, including:
- Stump and tree removal
- Stump grinding and tree grubbing
- ROW mowing
- Trenching and marsh excavation
- Reclamation
- Bush hogging
- Reclamation
- Pipeline ROW reclamation
Over the years, we have cleared thousands of miles of ROW. We are excited for the future of the pipeline industry, and are ready to help you with whatever you need! Request a quote today.