EARTH 109
Fundamentals of Shale Energy Development: Geology, Hydraulic Fracturing, and Environmental, Geopolitical and Socio-economic Impacts

Laying pipe across streams or rivers

Laying pipe across streams or rivers 

Laying pipe across streams or rivers can be accomplished in one of two ways. Open-cut crossing involves the digging of trenches on the floor of the river to house the pipe. Then, the pipe itself is usually fitted with a concrete casing, which both ensures that the pipe stays on the bottom of the river, and adds an extra protective coating to prevent any natural gas leaks into the water. Alternatively, a form of directional drilling may be employed in which a “tunnel” is drilled under the river through which the pipe may be passed.

Google Earth image of pipe that was placed underwater
Figure 6.27: Google Earth image of an area where pipe was placed underwater.
Source: Google Earth