Pipeline News
Lloyds Register recently audited the RAP to ISO 14001 Standard and recommended we include a statement describing the pipeline and its significance to our Environmental Policy. We’ve also recently updated our pages with a full survey of all District and Regional Council Plan Changes along the pipeline route. We appreciate hearing from landowners about any concerns they may have about submissions made.
We also welcome feedback about Easement Management carried out on our behalf by Vector Gas Ltd who recently contracted Treescape to carry out work. If you are a landowner or occupier with special requirements i.e. organic farming where no spraying is allowed, please contact us. This also applies to neighbours who would not normally be on our landowner data base.
Contact details are as below.
The EMS has been developed from the Code of Environmental Practice - On shore pipelines, produced by the Australian Pipeline Industry Association (APIA). It is a robust system that’s been presented and nominated for awards by the APIA. With the continued support of Refinery staff, contractors, consultants, local authorities and landowners we’re able to maintain it to the 14001 Standard. We welcome your comments or practical ideas for improvement and in the first instance, these can be directed to our Pipeline Controller.
Further information on the Environmental Policy and maps can be found on the Pipeline Performance & Compliance page.
New projects underway for the pipeline are:
- As part of our maintenance programme we’ve fully overhauled an in line valve on the pipeline on Valley Road, Kaukapakapa. We’re now looking at all in line valves and neighbouring land owners will be notified as to when and how maintenance works will occur.
- The secondary microwave system is a vital part of our pipeline communications and ensures that the data and safety systems for operating the pipeline are fully reliable. The current system is becoming outdated so we’re upgrading and replacing parts of it, working with Gen-I and Downer EDI. Landowners affected by the installation will be contacted to ensure that property access, noise or environment are not compromised. We’ll also be sending a questionnaire to impacted owners or occupiers about suitable times for work, temporary isolation from stock or public access.
- Our policy with any remedial maintenance is to work in with landowners to ensure that neither privacy, lifestyle or businesses are compromised. Following recent inspection of the pipeline we’re looking at adopting a phased approach to any remedial work Inspection of the pipeline coating system normally requires excavation. This can sometimes be a hindrance to landowners so wherever possible we aim to start and finish works on the same day.
- Territorial Authorities are now entering the Designated corridor onto their respective District Plans so that the Pipeline is now shown in the public domain. Refer to Designation
- Because the safety of our pipeline is key paramount we regularly assess its performance. In 2010 we will be conducting a Safety Assessment of the entire pipeline to comply with the newly revised Standard AS2885.1. This is a Statutory requirement under the HS in E (Pipeline Regulations 1999) and will take account of all changes to land use, environmentally sensitive areas and updated heritage sites.
For any queries about our pipeline please contact:
Peter Owbridge
Pipeline Controller
Free Phone: 0800 REFINERY (0800 733 463) - Select "1" for Pipeline
Fax: 09 432 8035
Email: corporate@nzrc.co.nz