Pipelines

Petroleum Product Pipeline Explosion

Investigated the cause of a motor gasoline leak and subsequent explosion and fire in northwest Washington. Witnessed excavation of damaged pipe by the National Transportation Safety Board and evaluated pipeline system design, maintenance, and operation.

International Chamber of Commerce Refinery and Pipeline Construction Arbitration

Analyzed numerous construction and design defect issues on behalf of the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor involved in a lump sum $1.6 billion refinery and pipeline project in Mexico.  Assessed numerous additional work order claims with reference to the contractual documents and normal industry practice.  Prepared expert reports detailing the basis of opinions and findings and testified in International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) arbitration hearings.

Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) Pipeline Failure

Investigated the cause of a natural gas liquids (NGL) pipeline failure and explosion.  Determined the leak was initiated by the failure of a downstream main line gate valve.  Reviewed the actions required to return the pipeline to service based on a Corrective Action Order and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.  Calculated a business interruption claim for lost NGL production from a gas processing facility served by the NGL pipeline.

Olefins and Natural Gasoline Pipelines Development

Led study and negotiations to secure high pressure gas and liquids pipeline capacity for a new ethylene plant to transport ethylene, propylene and natural gasoline.  Explored joint ventures, service conversions, owner construction, and third party alternatives.  Involved in developing design parameters, routing, and common carrier tariff structure.  Executed contracts to construct and utilize three parallel 12-inch diameter pipelines along the Gulf Coast.

Refined Petroleum Products Pipeline Leak

Investigated the volume and origination of motor gasoline spilled from a ruptured products pipeline in Texas.  Utilized SCADA data to locate product batches, and determined leaked volume based on gravity drainage and siphoning effect.  Demonstrated that client’s product was not involved in spill.

Pipeline Contractual Dispute

Assisted in defense of a major U.S. energy provider against claims that it defrauded several project promoters when it proceeded with the construction of a natural gas pipeline from Argentina to Chile. Submitted report outlining client's project vs. promoters' project showing how the characteristics were vastly different.

Crude Oil Pipeline Development

Assisted electric utility with the expansion and conversion of an idle fuel oil pipeline system to deliver crude oil to area refineries.  Provided technical support for negotiations with equity partners and potential shippers.

Crude Oil Pipeline Failure

Reviewed operation, maintenance, and inspection procedures and relevant history for crude oil pipeline which suffered failures and subsequent release of their contents and resulted in litigation.

Pipeline Easement Dispute

Served as expert witness on pipeline installation, monitoring, testing, and repair practices and capabilities, in a dispute concerning commercial development of property transected by existing pipelines.

Pipeline Design and Construction

Supervised the design and construction of high-pressure natural gas pipelines in the Anadarko Basin.  Participated in route selection and acquisition of right-of-way.  Estimated construction costs and selected construction contractors.  Supervised pipeline construction, testing, and start-up on behalf of an operating company.