concept EIA-rapport - Staatsolie

SRK Consulting: Project No: 439414 Staatsolie Pipeline EIA – Draft EIA Report Page 15
3.3.3 Construction
The majority of the pipeline route (some 5 240 m out of a total 6 350 m) will be constructed
using HDD. HDD is a steerable trenchless method of installing underground pipes, conduits
and cables in a shallow arc along a prescribed bore path by using a surface launched drilling
rig, with minimal impact on the surrounding area. This method is typically employed when
trenching or excavating is not practical, using a specialised machine with a drill head that can
be guided during the drilling operation.
The branches of the pipelines leading from the exit point at the SOL-SUHOZA jetty to OGANE
and SOL-SUHOZA will be laid using conventional trenching. The last ~20 m of the pipeline
connecting to the equipment at OGANE and SOL-SUHOZA will be placed on pole supports
and elevated some 0.5 m above ground. Approximately 70 m of pipeline will be laid using
conventional trenching between the entry and exit points on the Bruynzeel site.
It is anticipated that pipeline construction will start in the first quarter of 2013, with early civil
works (earth preparation for the HDD work areas) in the third quarter of 2012. In total, pipeline
installation is expected to take 8 to 10 months.
3.3.3.1 Drill pads
Before drilling can commence, drill pads will be constructed at exit points, notably near the
SOL jetty and the Staatsolie refinery, to support the drill rig and associated works. Pads will
thus be located in areas currently used or earmarked for industrial purposes. The pads will
extend 20 to 30 m from the high water mark into the river and will be constructed by filling the
area with sand to raise it above water level. A bund will be constructed around the drill entry /
exit point to create a buffer to contain the drilling mud during construction.
The layout of each drill pad will vary depending on the local conditions and space constraints
and will be discussed with the respective landowners and MAS. Each pad is likely to occupy
up to 2 500 m 2 (0.25 ha) and include the following elements:
• Drill rig;
• Operating cabin;
• Hiab truck-mounted crane;
• Drill pipe storage;
• Deadman 4 ;
• Drill mud pit;
• Canteen;
• Generator;
• Storage;
• Pump;
• Drill mud tank;
• Water tank;
• Mixing unit and mud recycling unit;
• Drill mud storage area.
One drill rig with a pulling force of 250 tonnes will be used and moved to the various points
where drilling will be executed. The bore path will be drilled from the exit point, as the pipeline
will be pulled back into the hole from the entry point at the opposite end of the drill section.
The rig will be jacked up on the drill pad to allow the drill to penetrate the ground at the
required angle (see Figure 3-3).
4 A piece of wood or concrete, usually buried, to which a wire guy line is attached for bracing a mast or tower.
REUT/DALC 439414_StaatsoliePipelineEIA_Draft EIA Report_Final
June 2012