Coast Guard: Pipe-Removal Operations in Billingsport Range
The U.S. Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone from this month until October 31, 2017 in the waters of Billingsport Range, on the Delaware River, within 150 yards of diving and pipe-removal operations.
To facilitate the widening and deepening of the Delaware River main navigational channel, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers has requested Paulsboro Natural Gas Pipeline Company, LLC and Buckeye Partners, L.P. remove their existing pipelines across the river that could cause hazards to mariners in the expanded shipping channel.
“This specifically pertains to PBF’s 8” natural gas pipeline and BPL’s 10” and 12” pipelines that run from the area adjacent to Philadelphia International Airport to the Paulsboro Refinery,” the official release stated.
Diving and removal operations for the 425 foot sections of pipe will be conducted in close proximity to the main navigational channel and at times may impede one side of the channel.
At least one side of the main navigational channel will be kept clear for safe passage of vessels in the vicinity of the safety zone, according to the announcement.
