Dowell Hill Pipeline Replacement

Michels used horizontal directional drilling (HDD) to install two 30-inch natural gas pipelines, replacing damaged sections along a steep, 3,200-foot hillside. To ensure stability going forward in the event of a land slide, the new pipes were drilled 280 feet under the hillside, offset by 15 feet to further reduce risk. The project required the use of large-diameter surface casing to protect the drilling process in the unstable terrain, while gyro steering technology ensured precise directional control. Intersect drilling techniques were also applied for improved efficiency. 

The project faced additional challenges due to the rugged right-of-way, which included a significant elevation change. To facilitate the operation, a winch cat was used to move equipment across the hilly landscape. Both the entry and exit points required the installation of a 54-inch surface casing to secure the drilling path through varying soil conditions, ensuring the successful installation of the new gas lines.