Water crossing

Bending strain can develop in pipelines as a result of ground movement, geohazards, or changes in support conditions, increasing the risk of mechanical damage or loss of integrity. These effects are often localized and may not be apparent through traditional inspection approaches alone. Consistent with PHMSA integrity management expectations, identifying and characterizing bending strain supports early recognition of abnormal loading conditions, enables risk-based assessment, and informs timely mitigation actions to maintain safe pipeline operation.

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.