Underground gas pipelines 101

Underground gas pipelines make up some of the buried assets we most often don’t see. Their continued safe operation is critical to enabling the community to function.

The APA Group owns and operates both transmission and distribution gas pipelines, delivering natural gas to homes, workplaces, industry, hospitals and more. APA owns and/or operates 15,000kms of transmission pipelines and 25,000kms of networks mains and distribution lines across Australia.

What is the difference between Transmission pipelines and distribution pipelines?

Gas transmission pipelines are a system of interconnected high pressure gas pipelines that transport large volumes of natural gas from processing or storage facilities over long distances to consumer markets, for industrial use, residential supply networks, power generation and mining purposes. Gas Transmission Pipelines are steel pipelines ranging in diameter between 200 millimetres and 1 metre and operate under high pressure to maximise the amount of compressed natural gas that can be transported.

Gas Distribution Pipelines transport gas from transmission to end users. There are different to transmission in that they usually operate at less pressure, are buried more shallow and are made from different materials.

Below are some key facts about transmission and distribution pipelines:

Working safely around gas pipelines is critical to the safety of those performing the work and the community around them. We are fortunate that we have never had a fatality in Australia, thanks in part to the work of our asset protection teams, and the willingness of 3rd parties to work with us and let us assist in the planning and execution of work near our assets. However, there are examples of massive destruction and loss of life from unauthorised works near high pressure gas transmission pipelines in other countries.

The safety of people working around and living near Transmission and Distribution pipelines is a priority for APA. As gas pipelines are most often buried underground, can operate under high pressures, and are often situated in public areas (such as road reserves and parklands) they can become susceptible to unique threats from external interference, which can cause damage to the pipeline or its protective coatings. Striking or puncturing a pipeline can cause an explosion and fire which has the potential to lead to severe injuries and fatalities. There can be other consequences such as prosecutions, civil liability, and time delays if the right steps are not taking before undertaking works.

Signage is used to indicate the presence of a buried pipeline and when there is a change in direction of a pipeline. In conjected and inner-city areas, signs may be replaced with small offset markers along the route.

To help you to work in the vicinity of our assets, we have a dedicated team who will consult with you, provide you with the necessary authorisations and provide tailored advice to ensure the integrity of our assets, and keeping you and your teams safe.

To safely conduct works on or adjacent to the pipeline corridor please follow these simple steps:

◘ Lodge a free enquiry with Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) at https://www.byda.com.au/

◘ Once APA has received your BYDA enquiry, an assessment will be conducted to determine whether approval from APA will be required.

◘ Depending on your proposed works and the potential risk to the pipeline, further information may be required to complete an assessment of the works proposed.

◘ Depending on where you are working you may receive two responses from APA, one from Transmission and one from Networks.

◘ Once it has been confirmed that the proposed works can be carried out, a written authorisation will be issued that contains conditions for works that must be adhered to. This may include a requirement for APA to supervise the works.

◘ Due to the higher pressure in transmission pipelines and after assessment of any proposed third-party works, APA will locate these assets on behalf of a proponent. This is different to a distribution pipeline where a third party, in many cases, will be able to locate these assets.

Please contact us early in the process of designing your works. We are here to help you work safely near our assets, to prevent damage to the high-pressure gas network, and any associated risks, costs, disruption, and potential catastrophe associated with any unauthorised works.

In addition to the asset being struck, there are other activities which may cause damage to the pipeline network. This includes vibrating machinery, heavy vehicle crossing or blocking line of site in the pipeline easements.

Finally, please follow the QR code below for a safety video and quiz for working safely around the APA assets.