Essential ROW Clearing Services for Energy Suppliers and Pipelines
Taplin Group has fostered a longstanding relationship with a major North American natural gas supplier, providing essential Right of Way (ROW) Clearing services. This critical service ensures that the pathways for pipelines remain free from trees, brush, and other obstacles, adhering to federal regulations that mandate clear routes for both aerial and ground inspections. Over the years, Taplin Group has executed numerous ROW clearing operations across various locations in Michigan, spanning state forests, wetlands, and residential areas. The geographical diversity of these projects necessitates a flexible approach, although the core objectives and methodologies of the work remain consistent.
The process of ROW clearing involves the deployment of specialized equipment tailored for efficiency and safety. This includes skid steer mounted fecon units, tractors equipped with brush hogs, chainsaws, chippers, and occasionally boom lifts for addressing larger trees. Each piece of equipment is strategically employed to ensure thorough clearance while minimizing environmental impact. Central to the success of each project is a meticulously planned procedure that begins with marking the pipeline and delineating the boundaries of the ROW. Advanced pipeline locating equipment is used to precisely mark the pipeline’s path, measure the proper distances for ROW boundaries, and outline the edges to guide the fecon operators. This upfront marking process not only ensures compliance with regulatory requirements but also enhances safety and operational efficiency.
Prior to the commencement of clearing operations, Taplin Group’s marking crews conduct thorough surveys of the ROW terrain. This proactive approach helps identify and mitigate potential hazards such as buried steel materials, abandoned vehicles, discarded appliances, and large stones. Addressing these hazards before clearing begins is crucial for maintaining crew safety and preventing equipment damage. Throughout each project, Taplin Group emphasizes comprehensive documentation and reporting. Detailed reports are compiled, documenting cleared segments, providing daily before-and-after photos, and offering narratives that outline the work completed and any encountered challenges. This documentation serves not only as a record of project milestones but also as a tool for evaluating performance and addressing any issues that may arise. Safety remains a top priority throughout every phase of ROW clearing projects. The nature of the work involves navigating rough terrain, managing equipment in adverse weather conditions (often during winter months), safely felling trees, and navigating potential water hazards. Taplin Group’s commitment to safety is reinforced by a rigorous safety program and extensive experience in ROW clearing, which collectively enable them to successfully undertake projects of considerable scale and complexity.
Taplin Group’s expertise in ROW clearing is characterized by a blend of advanced technology, rigorous planning, and a steadfast commitment to safety, exceeding customer expectations and environmental stewardship. Their ability to navigate diverse terrains and regulatory landscapes underscores their capability to deliver effective solutions for maintaining crucial pipeline infrastructure across varied geographical settings.