At the time that much of the NTS was constructed, agricultural equipment was relatively small and lightweight and pipeline design and construction standards of the time reflected this. Some 40-50 years later it is commonplace to see very large scale farming equipment being used, as farms, access tracks and field sizes have dramatically increased along with farm management arrangements. In addition to the change in equipment, many agricultural techniques such as deep ploughing, land drainage etc., have all changed.
Whilst no known adverse effects have been recorded to date, it is appropriate to initiate a review of modern farming techniques to identify the potential scope of the problem, any associated risk and the validity of current specifications.
Review of implications and potential solutions to modern heavier agricultural equipment crossing steel pipelines. As part of the review, consideration will need to be given to; the change of ground conditions, weather, the change of pipe and coating systems, changes in construction and other factors to be determined during the course of the first phase of research and review.
Benefits
To either confirm that current standards, construction and protection practice remain valid despite changes to modern agricultural practice, or propose changes and further work that may be required to validate current pipeline management and protection arrangements or actions required to mitigate any future risks to the NTS.
