Mr. White has performed and/or managed the assessment and design of multiple projects to stabilize stream and river channels and beds at oil and gas pipeline crossings. This work has included the following:
Compendium of Stream-Bank and Channel Stabilization Methods
Developed a compendium of stream-bank and channel stabilization methods to assist a petroleum and natural gas pipeline company in controlling the impacts of their operations on the environment. The company operates approximately 2,800 miles of pipelines throughout western Canada and the western and Midwestern United States. The longest of these pipelines extends from Alberta, Canada through parts of Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois in the United States. Presented the client with 24 approaches that could be used to stabilize stream banks and channel bottoms, depending on the specifics of the site. These included “hard” approaches that rely on non-biodegradable materials such as riprap and concrete to provide stability. They also included “soft” approaches that rely on vegetation and other biodegradable materials, as well as combinations of the two general approaches. Evaluated the effectiveness, environmental consequences, and cost of each approach and provided the client with design and installation guidelines and maintenance recommendations to permit them to evaluate field conditions and, in many cases, select and implement an appropriate stabilization method without further involvement by Mr. White. In several cases where circumstances were unique, the client relied on Rich’s expertise to design mitigation measures to stabilize strain channels at pipeline crossings.
Stream-Crossing Location Evaluations
Evaluated stream-crossing locations along the route of a proposed crude-oil pipeline that that was to be constructed for approximately 90 miles from Evanston, Wyoming to Salt Lake City, Utah. Considered various alternatives for installation of the new pipeline across the streams to minimize damage, including spanning, boring, and trenching. Prepared stream-alteration permits for submittal by the client to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Utah State Engineer’s Office. Provided typical design drawings and specifications as well as construction alternatives for completing the stream channel crossings. In specific instances, collected site-specific survey data, evaluated design discharge rates, designed open channels and erosion-protection features, and provided the client with design drawings used for construction bidding.