DEPTH OF COVER ASSESSMENTS

Pipeline Depth of Cover Assessments

In a location where a pipeline crosses beneath a stream or river, knowing the pipeline Depth of Cover (DOC) beneath the waterway is crucial. Using creative field methods and a dedicated staff, AGES’ routinely performs DOC Assessments at water crossing sites, with a focus on accurate information and an excellent project deliverable at a low cost. To implement our DOC projects in the most cost-effective and efficient manner, our team conducts remote, desktop, pre-planning activities using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software to prepare maps of the planned work areas, develop a strategic and efficient approach, and determine the estimated level of effort needed to safely complete the DOC field study at each water crossing location. 

AGES uses a variety of Global Navigation Satellite Systems, utility locating technologies, water navigation methods, and supporting equipment to precisely identify, locate, and determine the pipeline DOC at the water crossing. During each field study, AGES determines the depth of water above the pipeline, assesses the ground surface topography above the pipeline in the floodplain, and collects the specific location data needed to accurately present the site conditions and calculate the DOC beneath the waterway for our clients. While onsite, AGES also searches for and notes the presence of any exposed piping and/or related materials (on land and within the water, as applicable), as well notes any nearby items or environmental conditions that may potentially disrupt the proper functioning of the pipeline in the future. Based on client requirements, AGES also collects stream/river bed samples for photographic documentation and/or analysis.

During the course of the project, AGES keeps the client up to date through routine project meetings, weekly progress spreadsheets, and a project-specific application, which visually presents daily field progress to the client using GIS software.   

AGES typically submits the results of each field study to the client in a site-specific Positional and Depth of Cover Report, which includes an Executive Summary of the features and findings of the study, a description of the field personnel that conducted the assessment, the field equipment used, the methods used to obtain the field data, aerial- and profile-view site figures, a description of the site and surrounding area, a field assessment form, supporting data validation documentation, and a photographic log of relevant site features. 

KEY ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SERVICES