A high-pressure natural gas pipeline located in a right-of-way between two existing pipelines required inspection to evaluate potential flaws and any need for repair. Prior to excavation, the client needed to adhere to PA One Call requirements to mark their assets. A portion of the right-of-way was brush- and snow-covered steep terrain, creating accessibility challenges for personnel carrying equipment necessary to locate the utilities adjacent to the pipeline.

RETTEW’s Safety Consulting and Subsurface Utility Engineering groups worked collaboratively to safely rappel the hillside while simultaneously carrying the necessary equipment and gear to mark out approximately 1,000 feet of pipeline. The effort required rappelling and rope rescue training and certification for everyone involved; marking the two pipelines with paint, flags, stakes, and ribbon; troubleshooting on the fly while rappelling; and coordinating the entire effort while learning and adapting to the capabilities and needs of the team. RETTEW’s work on this project enabled contractors to proceed with gas line planning and excavation and adhere to PA One Call requirements. We performed this high-angle job without incident, and the client never had to put their employees at risk.