The Australian Pipeline Trust (APT) is now reducing the pressure in the affected areas of pipeline in a bid to alleviate the problem.

The SCC has been identified on the MSP in a remote area of South Australia and repairs have been effected on the pipeline in five locations by the installation of steel sleeves to restore pipeline integrity.

Further investigative work is now planned for next summer including the insertion of an “Intelligent Pig” which travels in the gas stream and records irregularities in the steel wall of the pipe.

“Because we are unsure whether further irregularities exist it is prudent for us to limit the pressure in the affected area, and we are altering the configuration of our compressors at Bulla Park to enable us to do so,” said Australian Pipeline Trust (APT) managing director Jim McDonald.

The work on the compressor station involves re-configuring valving and pipework to permit the compressors to run in series, thereby reducing upstream pressure. APA expects the work will be completed by early July.

“Based upon our previous winter throughput, and provided no extended periods of cold weather affect all of south-east Australia, delivery of gas supply to the ACT and NSW should not be impacted by the pressure management regime,” McDonald said.

Because of the reduced gas pressure in the pipeline the Australian Gas Light Company (AGL) is putting in place additional gas supply arrangements for New South Wales and the ACT for winter.

“As a consequence of these pressure management arrangements, AGL is putting in place additional contingency supply arrangements via the Eastern Gas Pipeline to help meet customer demand during peak times in the winter period.

“Subject to any unforeseen circumstances, including extended periods of cold weather across South East Australia, AGL believes gas supply to the ACT and New South Wales should be unaffected,” AGL group manager external and regulatory affairs Jane McAloon said.