2.3.5 Pipe-coating Yards 



The pipe-coating yard is one of the more significant OCS related 

 onshore developments that will occur during the recovery of oil and gas. 

 When an oil or gas field having commercial potential is delineated, a 

 decision is made concerning the mode of oil or gas transit to shore for 

 processing. The preferred mode is very often pipelines because: (1) 

 fewer transfer operations occur compared to tankers; (2) pipelines 

 operate efficiently in all types of weather; (3) pipelines have a better 

 safety record than tankers; and (4) a direct, continuous stream of oil 

 or gas passes to the onshore refinery or gas processing plant. 



The laying of a pipeline is complex and requires special techniques 

 for successful operation; coating is one of these special techniques. 

 The pipe-coating yard applies a cement coating to the pipe for two 

 purposes: (1) to protect the steel pipe from the corrosive elements of 

 sea water, and (2) to add sufficient weight to overcome the buoyancy of 

 the lighter oil and/or gas (See Figure 35). The technique and the 

 intricacies of laying pipe underwater have led that operation to be one 



Figure 35. Pipe-coating yard, project implementation schedule. 



INVESTMENT COMMITMENTS: 



Site Purchase 



YEARS'"- 



PEPMIT ACQUISITIONS: 



Acquisition of Use and 

 Location Permits 



Start of 

 Construction 



Q Begin Yard 

 Operations 



Operating Permits 



Preconstruction Permits 

 (Includes EIS) 



162 



