Now the Septic Field is Damaged

So very pissed to find that the mysterious hole just outside of our septic field is actually a missing pipe cap, removed by the construction of PSNC's pipeline project. 

Photo of the septic hole, taken from video of the area. See how the ground is wet?

We gave representatives of PSNC several verbal notifications that our septic field abuts the PSNC easement. We received several ​verbal assurances that the septic field had been noted. However, our field was not marked until well after the work had begun and the septic field compromised.

Good job guys. 

Fiber for The Forest, a Memorial Grove Project

In light of the destruction done to my property by the works of PSNC, I have been creating a community based project titled "Fiber for The Forest, a Memorial Grove Project". I am seeking artists around the globe to create scarves, wraps, banners, and dreamcatchers to decorate the edge of my forest, to memorialize the trees removed, and to draw attention to the actions of PSNC as they plow through Orange County NC.

We have a Facebook Page here:
https://www.facebook.com/Fiber4theForest

We're on Twitter:
@Fiber4theForest

use hashtag #Fiber4theForest

Anyone is welcome to participate in the project. Create some sort of fiber art creation and it will be installed along the property line.

Local pick-up is available in central NC.

A wonderful source for fibers and materials in central NC is The Scrap Exchange, and your local thrift shops.

Stranger Danger at the School Bus Stop

With the new PSNC pipeline going in next to our home, it's always something new around here.

Over the first weekend of October, we had a man lounging in the ditch by the bottom of our driveway. Was he with the pipeline? Was he a legitimate flagman for them? Who knows. This is the country. When someone is randomly laying in the ditch, either he's local or something is up. You put your guard up.

On Monday October 6, I walked with my son to the bus stop. I'm glad I did. There was again a man in our driveway. This time he had a construction hat and a vest on.

Now we are in close contact with the school, the bus department, and the bus drivers. Our main concern is the safety of our children as well as the children along this project.

After speaking with the project manager, and the "land agent", we were told that the flagman would be moved from our driveway, to about 50 feet away. Still too close for me.

Where did the topsoil disappear to?

The view west from Buckhorn Road this morning.

I am curious - the topsoil along the project was to be removed from the area and stored off to the side, and then returned. 

Looking west, from right to left, there is the (mostly) original land level (riddled with stump removals and other disturbances). Next there is the 1952 line (yellow markers), then a 1' terrace graded drop. I drew a line for the proposed PSNC 2014 line. The 1999 Cardinal/Williams line up the center of the photo (yellow markers again) and then on the other side of the Cardinal line there's another 1' drop, and no sign of the removed topsoil in sight. 

So, where is it...? Where did the topsoil go?

Edit: It was my understanding there would be a pile of it. I was told today that there was not that much topsoil. I guess all that foliage in the field just grew in a very shallow bit...? See where it says "continuous silt fence" on the left in the picture? Some of it is over there. 

Edit: Upon further observation, how is this possible? How can you terrace a field down by 1 foot, then terrace it again by another foot, and have no discernible topsoil left? Where is the DIRT? And where is all the plant matter that was there? Was the bulk of the topsoil taken away with that? 

PSNC Owes Me SLEEP

This is becoming serious. There is no way this can't affect our health over the next two months due to lack of sleep and the stress of this situation. This is insane. The constant heavy machinery is a nightmare. Once again this morning we are up at 6:40am due to the NOISE.

Friday night I stayed up super late compiling the report of the unannounced tree damage and destruction to my property, and was woken up by 7am on Saturday. They did not stop working until 7pm. I tried to take a nap and was woken in alarm from a dead sleep at about 3:45pm after about 25 minutes because MY BED WAS SHAKING so hard it woke me up, terrified. (This is NC - we are not in an earthquake zone.) They were grinding up trees, and it was shaking the house.

Whatever settlement they have for us, compensating us for property damage, it is not enough to pay for the effects on our health.

Today my Trees were Destroyed

We were told very few trees would be taken. 

I was told Thursday Oct 2 by Land Agents that they wouldn't take many trees.

By Friday afternoon Oct 3, they were destroyed.

We were given ZERO warning that the destruction would be this thorough.

At this time they are offering us $200 for this. Two hundred dollars for removing a Hickory tree that was nearly 100 years old from our forest.

I've only numbered the trees in the pictures to try to keep track. The numbers don't correspond with the true damage. I didn't number a lot of the saplings. Some trees were cut and the stumps removed before I could see/photograph the stumps. Only by reviewing my video made Friday morning can you see what trees were not only destroyed, but STOLEN before they could be counted.

(edit 10/4) As of 10:30 Saturday morning most of the evidence was removed from our property. 

(edit 10/5) By 7pm most of our trees were destroyed, ground into mulch. 

Here is some backstory on this mess: Part 1.

More: Part 2 

Also, follow the "labels" for PSNC in my blog.

Starting from the road and working back toward the creek (east to west)

***

Starting small with 2 small saplings...

1***

This tree was 15" across:

2***

Another stump

3***

You can see my shoe off to the left for reference.

4*** 

(there was also a sapling next to it)

5***

6***

very large base, strip of the tree that was left as part of the stump seen at top of photo

7***

heart shaped stump

8***

These in front of a beech tree

9*** 

This one is to the west of the tree left standing with the large poison ivy vine attached to it 

10***

This dogwood was completely topped and destroyed

Its base is behind the line, and behind this tree. 

The dogwood will die now. 

11***

12***

This cedar tree has been damaged beyond repair. One of the worst arbor hackjobs I've seen. Minimum of 8 branches chewed into.

13***

More small trees taken

14***

15***

Large ancient cedar. This was just on MY side of the line. 

There was absolutely no reason to remove this tree.

This tree was ancient.

Where is it? stolen.

16*** 

The ground is quite torn up here. 

Were stumps already removed?

This is near the back shed.

Video 086 shows a very large sweet gum in this location (3:40)

Video 086 also shows a large older dogwood by it (3:50)

Stolen before I could photograph the stumps.

17*** Maple

Tree de-branched and topped, still standing. It will die.

It is in my side of the line.

For reference, this is close to the back shed.

18***

Beside the back field, near the berry stakes. Lots of turned up ground.

19***

At this point, the land on my side of the line is torn up.

20***

This black walnut is on MY property, but it has been damaged by machinery.

In the foreground is a vertical strip of the giant Hickory that was taken.

21***

This giant Hickory was 27" across. 

To the east of it, at the time this picture,

there is a 5-foot crater dug into the earth.

This is the bark from the vertical strip that was left attached to the stump above.

22***

This tree was 19" across

23***

 This one is about 9" across

24***

10" across

25***

26***

put pic 38a here

tree chewed off, topped 

27***

The top of this tree is also chewed off

The base is approx 8"

27***

29***

6" pine chewed off at the top

:46 of video 094

Behind the line.

30***

This was a Black Walnut, 8" at the base.

Completely trashed.

It was behind the line.

1:05 of video 094

31***

10.5" across

1:29 video 094

32***

This one was 14" across

33***

This one is just east of the one above.

Again, Black Walnut.

34***

11" Pine

35***

More clusters of trees

These are 6" and 7" as marked on the photo. 

This is down the slope towards the wetlands.

36***

This one is down the slope and is 8" across.

Needless to say we are furious.

To the asshole that I told NOT to cut down that ancient Hickory that was ON THE LINE, and you went ahead and sliced it down as soon as my back was turned? Karma will find you.

Pipeline: Pre-screening by Sauls Seismic

Someone was just here from a company who was hired by the pipeline contractors to document and log cracks and such in customer's homes, so that if there are new ones caused by the project, proof of it not being there previously will be on hand. This was of course one of my concerns, with the project being so close to my home, and the terrifying "what-if" possibility of cracking our foundation, or even our well, while they were blasting.

To date, I had no contact whatsoever from PSNC, or even from Sauls, before this man appeared on my doorstep. I had no warning a man would be coming to my home. It was a complete cold-call. I had to call the people of the PSNC project myself to verify that this visit from Sauls was even part of their plan. The people I spoke with over the phone associated with the PSNC project were surprised at the manner I was contacted. You just don't send a man door to door and expect him to gain entry into your home.

The guy doing the inspections is a nice small-town fella, but he reeked terribly of cigarette smoke. We dissolved into a conversation about henna. He wants a big smiley-face on top of his balding head to torment his boss with back home.

"Sauls Seismic functions as an unbiased third party in conducting these existing-condition surveys on residential or commercial property."
http://www.saulsseismic.com

More Pipeline Shenanigans

What a bunch of dumbasses. Jack Cox, land agent of SME with the PSNC pipeline project just called here. He wants to know if we have any lines buried along the pipeline, like gas lines, electric, phone. I told him I thought HIS boys were supposed to know all that, weren't they? Didn't they have all that mapped out already? Weeellllll, sometimes the homeowners put in other lines.

He said he was calling me to tell me that the pipeline was coming our way. I said I knew that. Could he tell me when?
No, he couldn't. They don't know exactly.
Well, don't you boys have a schedule? It seems like on a project this big you'd be working off some kind of schedule. They'd have to know. Don't they have to have something like that registered down at the planning department?
"Well, I don't have that information."

I asked him when they'd be on my land.
Well, they'll be out there to survey, and mark the 50' easement (nowhere is there legal documentation that that easement is 50' that we can find, by the way).
"When will that be?"
"I don't know that."

Folks, as far as I know, the surveyors have already been out here, and the boundaries are marked.


So, why is this man even calling me? To tell me there's a pipeline going in? Well, gee, I already KNEW that.

Remind me to put a rotisserie chicken carcass out there with some black candles and a few trinkets. Just for funsies.

Freakin' Prehistoric Dinosaur of a Turtle

Today while I was out driving through the country I saw the car ahead of me swerve wide to avoid a large black pile of something in the road. I slowed down to get a closer look and immediately pulled over. There was a freakin' prehistoric dinosaur of a turtle in the road, with a tail like a small alligator. His shell was easily 15 inches from front to back - he was easily the size of my steering wheel. The shell had points and spikes on it, but they were well-worn down. He was missing claws on his huge front paws, which were almost as big as my hands. I knew this kind HAD to be fierce - how else would you get to be so OLD in nature?

This is one of 2 photos I snapped of the prehistoric behemoth. I wish I'd looked for something like a drink can to place beside him for scale. He probably would have eaten it though.

I knew not to get too close. I was wearing Crocs on my feet for goodness sakes - they'd be like a gummy bear coating on my toes if he got ahold of them. I found a couple sticks, and held one before his massive jaws. He took the bait and took a bite. SNAP! he chomped down on the wood. (Yeah, my Crocs would have made a great snack.) I tried to drag him with the wood, but he let go. Again I brandished my stick, again he snapped (yikes!) and then he LET GO AGAIN. Slacker.

Recently we'd stopped to watch someone else help one of these beasts across a road slightly east of where I was. I wondered if this could possibly even be the same determined monster, headed west. the other guy had managed to get the beastie to chomp on a piece of wood and drag him across. If this was the same creature, he was tired of the game.

A truck approached from the other direction, and the driver rolled down his window. "Watch out," he warned, "Those things will bite!"

"Why do you think I have these?" I laughed and held up my sticks. "I'm also standing waaaaay back," I told him.

"That thing's prehistoric!" the man exclaimed, staring at the beast. He jumped out of his truck, and pulled out a magical shovel from under a tarp on the back. A really long handled shovel. Yes! He starting trying to herd the beastie across the road, and when that failed, he settled on flipping him and scooting him until he was safely in the grass off the roadside. (I wouldn't have done it that way, but then again, it wasn't my shovel.)

The internet tells me to try to tell the turtle's age I should look at the ridges on his shell. The points on this guy's shell was worn down like the sole of an old sneaker. It also tells me to examine his plastron, which is the shell on his belly. Right. "Excuse me, Mister Ancient Behemoth, could I have a look at your tummy?" Luckily when he was getting shovel-rolled across the road, I could see some of his belly. Younger turtles have darker plastrons. This guy was pretty well bleached out under there.

The internet also tells me: "If you need to move a snapping turtle quickly simply pick it up by the back edge of its carapace and carry it across the road holding its head away from you." I'm pretty sure there was no way I could lift a creature the size of my steering wheel by the back of his shell. He might slip out of it, if I could even have picked him up.

It's a good thing to help turtles across the road. The size of this guy will probably make my karmic piggy bank pop. Unless he was a real jerk of a turtle and was actually headed west because he was leaving his wife of 75 years... but then that would be his karma.

Notes: some more good info here

Rest Well, Robin. Second Star, to the Right.

Years ago when I was young, I got to stay at home alone (alone! by myself!) one evening when my parents went out. Watching one of my favorite shows, Happy Days, was the first time I'd ever been enchanted with the sparkling humor that is Robin Williams.

As one outrageous quip followed another, I laughed so hard that I cried. The worst part was seeing that genius episode alone, and then trying to explain what I'd seen to my parents when they returned home. My headfirst-into-the-couch attempts couldn't even begin to convey the hilarity. His portrayal of Mork the Alien struck deep, tickling my funny bone in a way few actors have.

After I graduated from college and left that town, I came back to visit friends and pick up some boxes of belongings I'd left behind in a friend's attic. My friend I stayed with was incredulous that I hadn't seen "Hook" yet. With a name like "Wendy" how could I have missed a Peter Pan movie? He insisted we watch it, so we rented it on VHS. I was captivated. Mr. William's portrayal of my lifelong counterpart brought new meaning to the fairy tale for me. I could grow up, and still be a kid inside. It was allowable. Now that I have my own children, the movie strikes an even deeper chord for me.

Ironically, in the movie "Hook", the character of Toodles clearly had lost his marbles - he kept looking for them. Inside one of the boxes rescued from the attic on that visit, guess what I found? The leather pouch with, yes, my marbles. These were special marbles. Some of them were antique, from my grandparent's time, carrying memories from my childhood. Some had been gathered along my journey. Along with Toodles, I'd also found my marbles. I knew I'd be okay.

In the early nineties I worked at a company that had me pack up and move to Toronto for a while. I was mostly alone, but bravely I explored a lot on my own. It was there I got to see the cartoon "Aladdin" on the big screen. At that time, getting to see an animated picture on a screen that big was pure delight, and made me feel like a child again.

The years rambled on, and I watched (and rewatched) and loved many of Mr. Williams's movies. I liked the funny ones best. I almost hated him for taking the creepy role in "One Hour Photo." I still haven't watched it. I didn't want to see my favorite comic as scary. His troubled character in Fisher King was frightening to me at first. But by the time I'd experienced enough of Life to see another man's demons for what they were, I appreciated his portrayal of the baggage we all carry.

"The Birdcage" might just be my favorite. So much willing suspension of disbelief - I mean, who expects someone's entire family to become a complete lie like that? But the way the characters weave together is endearing and comforting. That movie is one of those that pops up when I need it most. I hope it comes on again soon. I could use its comfort right about now.

When Patch Adams was being filmed in Chapel Hill NC my friend and I applied to be extras. Not getting the callback, we still drove on over to the set to see what we could see. I got to meet the real Patch Adams, and listen to him talk candidly about his philosophy of healing with humor. And I also got to meet one of my heroes, Robin Williams.

He was zipping around the set on his bicycle, and would occasionally come over to where we were listening, captivated, to Mr. Adams speaking. I finally marshalled my courage and stuck out my hand. As Robin Williams held up his bike with one hand, he awkwardly, almost shyly, took my hand. I thanked him. I told him I'd been following him since he first played Mork on Happy Days, and I thanked him for all the laughter. He was so humble. It was such a human moment.

It's so sad that someone whose gift to my life was so much laughter and comfort ended theirs in sadness. I keep reminding myself that the genius and creativity will always live in their work. I'm glad this man has left us such a treasure trove of his work. Safe travels, Robin. second star, to the right.

Don't mess with a smart woman with social media behind her

Honda of Burlington NC, you just lost my service business.

But thank you at least for the nice shuttle service to the mall while I had lengthy recall work done on my van. That was appreciated.

Today I took the van to the dealership I don't usually go to, because I love my local garage. But I needed Recall work done, and it had to be at the Honda place, so I made an appointment with the one in Burlington, NC. While I was there, I asked that my annual inspection also be done.

Later, I get a phone call telling me that my wiper blades are tearing at the edges, and that they can't pass my inspection without replacing my blades, did I want them to go ahead and do that? Hello, and WTF? I *just* replaced those blades maybe 3 months ago with really nice ones from Costco. I just used them to nicely clean my windshield when I drove the van last Wednesday. I tell them so. They put me on hold, and then come back and tell me oh, it's actually okay, and they can pass the van.

When I pick up the van, I ask the Service Manager about the situation. At first he is busy with papers in his hands and can't meet my eyes. He then tells me different story than what I got on the phone. About how the blades were streaking on the driver's side, and they just wiped them down and then they were just fine. How is that "tearing at the edges"?

By the way, when I went around behind my van to drive away, I lifted the back wiper just to see its condition. A small shower of plant particles fell out from behind it, telling me they never even messed with that one. I guess it's not part of the inspection.

I am appalled by the nerve of people in this industry, and their attempts to take advantage of women and less informed people. For shame! I love the guys at Sturdivants (http://www.942tire.com/) because they don't work that way. Danny who runs their front desk realizes that loyal customers can be created by not taking advantage of people. Tell 'em Wendy sent ya.

Don't ever try to take advantage of me and expect me to do business with you again. And don't then lie about it. Because there's Karma. And there's Social Media.

Chocolatey Pumpkin-Apple Waffles

Waffle night!! Tonight's delicacy is chocolatey, with delicious ingredients, proving once again you can sneak "healthy" into "waffle."

Fire up the Kitchen Aid with:

1 1/2 sticks butter, pieced and softened
1 cup sugar
2-3 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon molasses
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
about 6 ounces pumpkin puree
1 cup greek plain yogurt
1 cup applesauce (no added sugar)
10 eggs (because, well, chickens)

1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup ground almond (Trader Joe's, yay!)
1/2 cup ground cashew
1/2 cup oat bran
1/3 cup flaxseed meal
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (King Arthur)
1 1/2 cups white flour
2 cups water

Waffle up!

Wendyelf's Crockpot Marbled Cheesecake

I love the idea of crockpot cheesecakes in mason jars. I tried the original recipe I found online, and even though I goofed and forgot to add the milk to the recipe, they turned out great! But I couldn't resist tinkering with the recipe a bit...
(Also, I was out of regular sugar, and wanted to try adding ricotta, and chocolate, because everything is better with chocolate)

Before you start - figure out how many mason-type jelly jars fit in your crock pot!! My crockpot has 2 sections, and can hold SEVEN jars.

I'd run out of granulated sugar, so I used confectioner's sugar. We found it has cornstarch in it, and Google told us that you need to use MORE than the amount of sugar, and that it may affect puddings, so I cut back on the original amount of cornstarch.

The recipe may make slightly more filing than your jars will hold - you will just have to eat the batter raw. So sorry. 

Filling

For the filling, I put the following in my Kitchenaid stand mixer:

16 oz cream cheese, room temperature (cut into pieces, because it was a huge chunk, from Costco)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup confectioner's sugar
1 1/2 cups turbinado sugar (yay Trader Joe's!)
2 Tablespoons vanilla extract
dash almond extract
1/8 cup cornstarch

Using the beater that looks like a birdcage, I let that blend for a while. For how long? I dunno - I was cooking dinner, also...

Next I added:
4 room-temperature eggs (yay chickens!)
3/4 cup whole milk (cold - oops, not staying with the room-temp theme)

I let that run for a bit.

Crust

For the crust:

3 Tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon turbinado sugar
3/4 cup graham crumbs (they come in a box with an elf on it)

Mix that up an put in the bottom of the 7 jars, don't compact it.

Fill the jars about 2/3 of the way full with the filling mixture, trying really hard not to dribble it down the outsides of the jars.

Marbling

For the marbling
To the remaining 1/3 of the filling mixture, add:

2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 Tablespoon turbinado sugar

Blend well.

Pour the marbling over the mixture in the jars, poking with a knife to mix it up a bit.
I also put about a dozen chocolate chips on top of each jar.

Cooking

Wipe the outside of the jars if necessary.
Place the jars, uncovered, in your crock pot.
Carefully fill between the jars with water, about 3/4 of the way up the outside of the jars.
Place the lid on the crockpot.
Cook on "High" for 3 hours.

Let the jars cool a bit before you remove them, then let them cool on the counter before you put them in the refrigerator. The first time I made these I was able to cover each jar with plastic wrap before refrigerating. Last night we just wanted to get to bed, so we put them in the fridge uncovered. I will cover them today.

Eat with a spoon when cool!

PSNC Pipeline Project Part 3

As of today, I don't have any new information on the pipeline proceedings on the land beside my home. There has been no new contact from the company looking to utilize the right-of-way easement.
Just for information, I'm placing this stuff here:
(all this is just a reference point with a WILD lack of formatting. sorry)


--------------------------------------

Pipeline Operators:

CARDINAL OPERATING COMPANY, LLC
(Existing pipeline, not laying new line, however affected by proximity)(uh oh - read further down)

Bryan Ferguson (Manager IT II)
Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056 Phone: (713) 215-3833
Email: Bryan.Ferguson@williams.com

http://co.williams.com/
One Williams Center
Tulsa, OK 74172

Phone (within Tulsa): 918-573-2000
Phone (outside of Tulsa): 800-945-5426

PSNC
PUBLIC SERVICE CO OF NORTH CAROLINA
Jodie Roberts-Smith (Public Affairs Representative)
800 Gaston Rd. Building A, Gastonia, NC 28056
Phone: (704) 834-6427 Fax: (701) 810-3158
Email: jroberts-smith@scana.com


--------------------------------------

So they ARE playing together...................

Pipeline and Gas Journal

Article:
http://pipelineandgasjournal.com/39-million-cardinal-pipeline-expansion

$39 MILLION CARDINAL PIPELINE EXPANSION
April 2010 Vol. 237 No. 4

"Cardinal Pipeline Company LLC has executed precedent agreements to increase the pipeline's firm transportation capacity by 199,000 Dth/d.

The pipeline will transport additional natural gas supplies to growing markets served by Piedmont Natural Gas Company Inc., and Public Service Company of North Carolina from an interconnect with Williams Partners L.P.'s Transco pipeline.

The $39 million expansion is scheduled to be placed into service in July 2012. The expansion has been designed to serve growth on Piedmont's and PSNC Energy's distribution systems, including an expansion on Piedmont's system to serve Progress Energy Carolinas' planned gas-fired power generation facility in Wayne County, NC.

Cardinal Pipeline is a 105-mile, 24-inch pipeline that extends from Rockingham County, NC to a point southeast of Raleigh, NC, with a design capacity of 279,000 Dth/d."



--------------------------------------

Other Interesting links

http://www.nc811.org/

http://www.commongroundalliance.com/Template.cfm?Section=About_CGA
Common Ground Alliance
Damage Prevention is a Shared Responsibility

National Pipeline Mapping Service
https://www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov/FindOperator/PublicSearch.aspx

S&ME
(they are doing the drilling for core samples)
http://www.smeinc.com/

***Pipeline Integrity and Management
If you have any questions about pipeline safety or about Piedmont’s Pipeline Integrity Management Programs, please contact our
Manager of Compliance Programs at 704-731-4594
email us at pipelinesafety@piedmontng.com.

US Energy Information Administration
http://www.eia.gov/naturalgas/
Maps of pipeline projects:
http://www.eia.gov/pub/oil_gas/natural_gas/analysis_publications/ngpipeline/ngpipeline_maps.html


--------------------------------------

Piedmont Natural Gas FAQ's about pipelines:
http://www.piedmontng.com/about/pipelineprojects/faq.aspx

http://www.pipeline101.com/why-do-we-need-pipelines/natural-gas-pipelines

http://www.ncleg.net/EnactedLegislation/SessionLaws/PDF/1985-1986/SL1985-785.pdf

--------------------------------------

U.S. Department of Transportation  Pipeline & Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
Pipeline Safety
http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/pipeline

Pipeline Safety Stakeholder Communications
http://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/comm/pipa/LandUsePlanning.htm?nocache=8584

‘‘Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011’’
http://phmsa.dot.gov/pv_obj_cache/pv_obj_id_7FD46010F0497123865B976479CFF3952E990200/filename/Pipeline%20Reauthorization%20Bill%202011.pdf

--------------------------------------

American Society of Civil Engineers

Identifying Minimum Safe Distance between Adjacent Parallel Pipelines
Read More: http://ascelibrary.org/doi/abs/10.1061/41202%28423%2980


http://ascelibrary.org/doi/abs/10.1061/41202(423)80
"Whenever a large diameter, high pressure gas pipeline is designed and constructed in an alignment that is parallel with an existing oil or petroleum products pipeline, pipeline operators focus is on pipeline safety. In the unlikely event that a catastrophic failure of one of the parallel pipelines occurs the minimum safe distance between the two pipelines is a critical factor for protecting the other pipeline facility.


http://ascelibrary.org/doi/abs/10.1061/40507%28282%2946

Hmm... "Micro tunneling"...? Could explain the "boring machinery" mentioned that would be required to get the pipeline under the road and under the creek:
http://ascelibrary.org/doi/book/10.1061/9780784405727

Design of Parallel Pipelines
http://ascelibrary.org/doi/abs/10.1061/40507%28282%2946
During construction, dead and live loads on existing pipelines must be considered when evaluating constructability and estimating the required construction work zone width. Failure of a pipeline and erosion from discharged fluids may undermine adjacent pipelines. A project currently in design is used to illustrate the design of a new pipeline to be constructed parallel to existing pipelines. The location of the new pipeline and required construction width were an important element of the Environmental Impact Report.



http://ascelibrary.org/doi/pdf/10.1061/41202(423)80

ZONG Qi (2008) has made blasting experiments, and velocity and frequency of 

blasting vibration are obtained (See Table 2.). 

For rock trench, particle velocity of blasting isn’t greater than 7 cm/s. Based on the 

analysis result of peak particle velocity, the minimum safety distance required to 

maintain 24m between high pressure gas pipeline and another parallel oil pipeline. 

The cathodic protection interference of parallel pipelines. To meet the safety and 

environmental needs, the oil/gas pipeline coatings have encountered major 

development in the past several decades. From the early coal tar enamel (CTE) and 

asphalt enamel and polyurethane (PUR) to three layer PE (3LPE) today, the pipeline 

external coatings have evolved with time and with innovation of new materials. With 

the development of pipeline external coatings, cathodic protection current density 

decreased by nearly 50 times. 

When non-joint cathodic protection is adopted, avoiding the cathodic protection 

interference is important for adjacent parallel pipelines. Some experimental results 

have been acquired as follows. 

▪ When the distance of adjacent parallel pipelines is 2m, the cathodic protection 

interference is serious. 

▪ When the distance of adjacent parallel pipelines increases to 4m, the value of 

potential gradient decreases significantly on both sides of pipelines and between the 

two parallel pipelines. Furthermore, the value of potential gradient between parallel 

pipelines is less than on both sides of pipelines. 

ICPTT 2011 © 2011 ASCE 747

 ICPTT 2011 

Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by 99.194.24.65 on 06/09/14. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.

Proper notice must be given:

http://www.ncleg.net/EnactedLegislation/SessionLaws/PDF/1985-1986/SL1985-785.pdf

"§ 87-102. Notice required prior to excavation.–(a) Except as provided in G.S. 87-
106, before commencing any excavations in highways, public spaces or in private 
easements of a utility owner, a person planning to excavate shall notify each utility 
owner having underground utilities located in the proposed area to be excavated, either 
orally or in writing, not less than two nor more than 10 working days prior to starting, of 
his intent to excavate. 
(b) The written or oral notice required in subsection (a) shall contain: 
(1) the name, address, and telephone number of the person filing the 
notice; 
(2) the name, address, and telephone number of the person doing the 
excavating; 
(3) the anticipated starting date of the excavation; 
(4) the anticipated duration of the excavation; 
(5) the type of excavation to be conducted; 
(6) the location of the proposed excavation; and 
(7) whether or not explosives will be used. 
(c) If the notice required by this section is made by telephone, an adequate record 
shall be made of the notification by the utility owners or the utility association and the 

person making the notification, to document compliance with this section.

PSNC Pipe Line Project Part 2

I've titled this one "Part 2" with the idea that there will be a 3, a 4 , and probably a 5...



Last week, on May 20th, machinery noises were occurring on the pipeline. That evening we went out to investigate, and found a couple machines. I documented our exploration in "Part 1".

On May 21nd as the machinery noise continued, I walked over to find out what the project was. The 2 gentlemen present were from S&ME. They kindly stopped the machinery to answer my questions.

They said their company was hired by the PSNC project. They were drilling core samples for the project, so that they knew what sort of earth the project would be drilling through. They would be drilling down 90 feet. The pipeline was to be at 30 feet.

The random vehicle with the water tanks was a refurbished log truck, which they were using to carry water up from the creek to facilitate the drilling.

The deep machinery noises continued through May 22nd, totalling 3 days so far of head-ache inducing disturbance.

Just after 11:00am May 27th

Jack Cox from EMS called me this morning and asked if we were ready to move forward with the papers.

I told him there was a document that was referenced in the papers he had given us that was not included. I couldn't give him the name of it (Ken had spotted the reference), but I would check.

Looking at my documents after the call, I think what is missing is something called a "Damage Release". Sure would like to see that. And I'm certainly not going to sign it without a lawyer's careful eye.

He told me the drillers they were from the EPA. I told him they were hired by PSNC and doing core samples to know what they were drilling through. After reading a bit on the S&ME website I can see how that is the same thing from either direction.

He asked if I had a map that showed the Cardinal line as well as the PSNC. I do - one he gave me, and an older one. (Interestingly, they don't quite match.)

I asked him again about the placement of the new pipeline. He said that the existing PSNC line was 15 feet from the easement line (okay, I'll take his word for that.) The new PSNC line would be 15 feet south of that.

Wait a minute.

I informed him that the existing Cardinal line is ONLY 20 to 30 feet from the PSNC line. If you put in a new PSNC line 15 feet from the first, that puts it only 5 feet from the Cardinal line in places. He appeared not to know this. He sounded kinda surprised, and told me he would check on that.

PSNC Pipe Line Project Part 1

May 20th 2014

PSNC wants to add a 3rd gas pipeline to the right of way area on the side of our land. 

I am blogging this because the whole process seems a bit questionable.

The new pipeline is to run in between the existing PSNC line which was apparently laid in 1952, and the Cardinal Line, laid in 1999. We have been given a map showing this.

I believe I was told by Jack Cox, who is currently representing PSNC on this project, that they needed 30' of space between lines. The existing lines are 30 to 20 feet apart, with no room in between them. 

PSNC is offering us $1 per rod (16 feet) of usage space. This amount was agreed upon in the original right of way easement usage contract drafted in 1952. At that time in history, minimum wage was $0.75. Per the 1952 agreement, they are offering us $72, plus a $200 check writing bonus. The current year is 2014. Minimum wage is $7.50, and land values are WAY up.

We only seem to have some of the paperwork.
We have not yet signed to release for the work to begin. 

Vehicle Number One

Today, May 20, 2014, I heard machinery and engine sounds. Tonight, this was parked in the field closer to the road, inside the fence. the fence is currently padlocked. I don't know what this vehicle is even for.

 Some sort of heavy vehicle with 2 water tanks on back.

The back container on it was empty. Not sure about the front one.

The back of the empty water container on the truck had this label on it. (center, rear)

 And this one too (left of the one above)

There are tracks down the clearing leading to the other big machine.

Vehicle Number Two, Drilling

On the pipe line they were drilling south of both the existing PSNC line and the Cardinal line. Why?

This evening, this machine still has a bit in the ground. 

The metal protective trough shown in the front of this picture was near it, but empty (no dirt).

This is the drilling machine from the creek side, looking toward Buckhorn road. Our property is to the left:

The hole being drilled is about 20-30 feet SOUTH of the Cardinal line. 

Why is it being drilled? 

If the new pipeline is to be between the 2 existing ones, why are they drilling outside of the 2 lines?

Across Turkey Hill Creek, looking west, is a mowed/pressed area of grass in the center of the clearing. There is something white in that area. Up toward the road (Bradshaw Quarry Road) on that side are some vehicles parked. (hard to see because of the sunset)

These yellow flags run down the center of the field.

I noticed that the PSNC pipeline is not marked. 

Here is the flag, with Ken standing at the edge of our woods. He paced this distance from the Cardinal flag to our woods line to be about 30 (thirty) feet.

There is a marked stake in the ground by the boring-machine:

There is a soft hole in the track near the boring-machine. I could poke a stick into the dirt of it. If it's an animal hole, it is not in use. 

Ken is pointing to the hole (shown directly above this pic) and the distance to the boring-machine.

You can also see the some of tracks worn through the weeds and stuff.

Boring-machine bit in the earth:

These flags are on the far side of the pipeline (south side), along the woods

 Ken is standing at the line of markers for the Cardinal line. He is looking toward the pressure release valve station. He paced the distance between the Cardinal line here and the station at 20 (twenty) feet. 

 This access point is in the ground by the pressure release valve station

 This far from it:

Don't know if this is over the PSNC or Cardinal line.

 There is also another one closer to Buckhorn Road

The pressure release valve station is in the upper right:
(my back is to Buckhorn Road, I am facing west) 

Big Rig by the Buckhorn Road

This is the big rig parked down by the road.

 

This is across Buckhorn road on Heather's corner. The pipeline fence off the road would be off to the right in this pic. Left is north.

This on the truck cab:

 This from the truck's trailer:

 Front of the cab:

 This is the corner of our property, with trees they mentioned cutting down. Among them are maple, poplar, and pine.