Installing Pipeline within Power Right-of-Way: What Could Go Wrong?

The project consists of installing roughly 9-mi of 42-in. pipe. The pipeline alignment is along an existing transmission power corridor, within an easement at an abandoned landfill, and along a public right-of-way adjacent to an active landfill. In addition to the challenges arising from the project being located primarily within coastal wetlands of South Florida, the project had to overcome an aggressive schedule, with design, permitting, and installation needing to be completed within 2 years of notice to proceed. The challenges observed on this project included difficult site conditions, with the contractor having to battle a high groundwater table, unstable soils, and tidal influences, coordination with local and federal stakeholders, installation parallel to an existing 54″ PCCP force main, and high voltage transmission lines. This paper will focus on discussing the various challenges observed and the solutions and strategies implemented to overcome the setbacks.