New fuel pipeline for Saipan power plants gets underway

After the successful rerouting and realignment of sewer lift station W-8 last week, the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. has another high priority project in the works: replacing the dilapidated fuel pipeline at its power plants on Saipan to address leaks caused by premature corrosion.

CUC announced yesterday that it was granted a $2.154 million grant by the U.S. Department of the Interior for this project.

CUC was joined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Transportation for a kickoff meeting with the project contractor on Friday.

Smithbridge Guam Inc. was selected to handle the high-priority project, which is expected to begin work in January 2012. The scope of work includes re-designing and replacing the existing aboveground CUC fuel transfer pipeline to power plants 1 and 2 in Lower Base.

Besides replacing the corroded pipeline, this new project will feature a stub-out to the port for direct tanker transfer that will be installed underground. That means CUC will have another option for tanker delivery to the pipeline and the underground installation will mean more protection from traffic or typhoon damage.

Utility officials said the project design was extensively reviewed by CUC and the DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, in conjunction with EPA.

“Pipelines must be designed and constructed to allow for the passage of internal inspection/cleaning devices (called smart pigs). The new pipeline, once completed, will require periodic inspection and maintenance. The operators of the pipeline will require additional training and the pipeline will be operated and records maintained in line with the required codes and regulations,” explained CUC officials.

The agency recently hired an EPA-approved construction manager who has prior experience installing similar pipelines. CUC said that project materials will be ordered as soon as they are approved. Fabrication and site work is expected to start in January 2012.

According to CUC, the existing pipeline was built in the early ’90s and is heavily rusted and in danger of failing under pressure. It has a history of leaks, due to premature corrosion. Construction of the replacement of the existing 8-inch petroleum pipeline with a new 8-inch underground pipeline from the Mobil Oil Bulk Plant to the CUC power plant will require about 5,282 feet of pipe. The project will include trenching, valves, pits, pipe jacket, pipe crossing, pipe pigging, cathodic protection, demolition and disposal of old pipeline, and restoration of affected areas.