Bending Strain Assessment

Pipeline crossings at waterways represent areas of elevated risk. For operators, maintaining accurate knowledge of pipeline location and condition at these crossings is essential. Consistent with PHMSA expectations, monitoring pipeline position and movement at water crossings enables early identification of exposure or instability, supports timely mitigation measures, and helps reduce the likelihood of pipeline failure and environmental impact.

Pipeline depth of cover represents a primary protective measure against third-party interference and external damage. Changes in terrain, erosion, construction activity, or environmental conditions can reduce cover over time, increasing exposure and risk. Consistent with PHMSA integrity management expectations, monitoring depth of cover supports early identification of exposure, enables risk-based assessment, and informs timely mitigation actions helping operators maintain safe, reliable, and sustainable pipeline operations.

Across North America and beyond, millions of decommissioned and abandoned wells, along with thousands of miles of out-of-service pipelines, remain buried and poorly documented. In the absence of reliable records, locating and verifying these assets presents ongoing safety, environmental, and operational challenges. Consistent with PHMSA integrity and safety expectations, accurately identifying decommissioned and abandoned assets supports risk awareness, land-use planning, and environmental protection. Reliable mapping enables operators to reduce uncertainty, address potential legacy risks, and support responsible long-term asset and site management.