Algonquin Incremental Market (AIM) Pipeline

Scope of Work

To make a larger, wider, and deeper trench for the replacement of a 26-inch gas line with a new 42-inch high-pressure gas transmission line.

Challenges

The majority of MD&B's work was conducted adjacent to an existing 30-inch hot line. MD&B had no way of knowing in advance where the ditch rock was located until the existing pipe was removed from the ground. Depending on how much rock existed, up to 7 or 8 drill rigs could be needed to meet production expectations of 1,000 linear feet of trench daily.

Outcome

As needed, MD&B quickly mobilized the necessary equipment by pulling that equipment from nearby locations.

Schedule

Political opposition to natural gas by local residents stretched the normal 6-week timeframe to obtain blasting permits to four months.

Summary

The Connecticut stretch of the pipeline has been completed, and MD&B recently began work on the New York section.