Kelmscott and Cockburn HP Gas Pipeline Relocations

Construction in built-up areas presents challenges that can halt inexperienced contractors and lead to bad outcomes. DM Civil was brought in to remedy this situation on both projects, getting both back on program to completion.

• Groundwater on the Cockburn project was impeding works, which DMC resolved through negotiations with the LGA and the use of sound dewatering techniques. Asbestos contamination at Kelmscott required DMC’s internal asbestos removal team to safely remove the ACM.
• Pipeline construction is difficult even when a contractor has full control of a site. Employing multiple contractors in a small area, who are all on different schedules and requiring space for their works, creates a suite of challenges. This was the case at both locations, and particularly an issue in Kelmscott where ATCO’s previous contractor had come to a stop when interfacing with other contractors. DM Civil remedied the situation by implementing regular meetings with other contractors, establishing a shared program of works and clearly defining working areas.
• After conducting ground investigations along the Kelmscott pipeline route, DM Civil discovered a number of utilities that were laid in a “zig-zag” fashion, and a power pole that could not be excavated past. This prompted DM Civil to propose a method change to HDD to install the majority of the pipeline, mitigating the issue of working around and below these utilities and expediting the project.
• The process for gaining permits to works around third-party utilities can be confusing for many. The previous contractor found themselves delayed on multiple fronts where their proposed methodology was insufficient for gaining approval to work around water mains and other utilities. DM Civil’s reputation, multi-disciplinary experience across the pipeline industry and knowledge of best practice approaches for working around other assets led to these permits being gained, and works proceeding.

Overall Benefit

ATCO Gas entrusted DM Civil with getting two lagging projects back on track, a seemingly difficult task. DM Civil succeeded in this task, creating an ongoing working relationship with ATCO Gas that has since led to DM Civil completing some of their most high-profile projects.