Geography ETDs

Publication Date

7-11-2013

Abstract

Blowouts in sand dunes along pipeline right of ways are a problem facing many pipeline maintenance companies, environmentalists, and public land managers. Blowouts form in sandy soils when the ground surface is not protected from seasonal winds. The ground surface becomes unprotected when there is a lack of vegetation covering the pipeline right of way. Most pipeline maintenance companies are using temporary mitigation methods. Results presented in this study demonstrate that there are low cost, long term solutions to the problem of blowouts along pipeline right of ways. Studies were conducted using three low cost mitigation methods. Branch piles showed that a successful depositional environment could be created at the same time protecting the surface from deflation. The net structures studied, were not as successful, but with further development could be a viable solution. Snow fence was studied in a closed cell configuration, with poor results.

Degree Name

Geography

Department Name

Geography

Level of Degree

Masters

First Committee Member (Chair)

Cullen, Bradley

Second Committee Member

Duvall, Chris

Document Type

Thesis

Project Sponsors

Bureau of Land Management

Language

English

Keywords

Sand Dunes, Blowout, Pipeline, Remediation

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