Risk Assessment of Third-Party Damage Index for Gas Transmission Pipeline around a Suburb in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess risk assessment of Third-party damage index for a gas transmission pipeline around a suburb in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A full length walk survey was carried out for the 12 km gas transmission pipeline of the Nigeria Gas Company that transcends Uteko community via Benin Auchi road through Osina town and some part of Benin Agbor road, all in Edo State of Nigeria. The 12 km pipeline facility surveyed was sectioned into a total of 60 test points (labelled P1 to P60), each test point measuring up to 200 m. The surveyors examined the third party index variable score for each of Minimum Depth of Cover, Activity Level, Aboveground Facilities, Line Locating, Public Education, Right-of-way Condition, and Patrol Frequency third-party variables. An overall third-party index score of 29.87% was obtained. This means that the surveyed 12 km pipeline is highly susceptible to failure due to third-party activities. This was perceived to be the consequence of the high level of insensitivity to, and lack of proper control of the third party activities taking place in the facility location. The study suggested measures to be employed in order to mitigate possible damages to the pipeline occasioned by third party activities, thereby bringing to the fore, the current drive to ensure pipeline safety and integrity.