June 27, 2011 - EarthFax Conducts Geotechnical Hazards Analyses for a Crude Oil Pipeline in Utah

EarthFax has successfully completed work to provide geological and geotechnical engineering services to a petroleum pipeline company that operates a 16-inch diameter crude oil pipeline in northeastern Utah.  EarthFax was contracted by the pipeline company to monitor ground movements in an area where soils are unstable and frequent landslides have been documented in recent history.  The scope of work includes installation of three piezometers fitted with retractable vibrating coaxial wire inclinometers placed at strategic locations throughout the landslide area.  The retractable inclinometers will be installed in lieu of permanently installed inclinometers because the magnitude of slope movement is not yet fully understood.  Hence, installation of retractable inclinometers will provide a savings to the client by avoiding the loss of expensive equipment due to shearing.  Additionally, the coaxial wire inclinometers were selected because they are capable of interpreting ground movement and sending an alarm to the pipeline SCADA system, thus facilitating a more rapid response to ground movement.

EarthFax Engineering, Inc. is a consulting engineering firm that was founded in 1982, with offices in Midvale, Utah.  The firm provides services in the areas of civil engineering, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, hydrology, geology, land reclamation, and environmental planning.  Additional information regarding EarthFax can be found at www.earthfax.com.