“Main gas pipelines are laid underground at a depth of about 0.8 m, and above them, along the pipeline, stretches a 50-meter-wide ‘free’ corridor, which is especially tempting for ATV, SUV, and off-road motorcycle drivers. Frequent off-road enthusiasts’ rides in some sections of the pipeline cause us concern. The main gas pipeline is a constantly maintained and safe infrastructure, but systematic and irresponsible activity above this energy infrastructure poses a risk of incidents,” says Vilma Ladygienė, head of the territorial planning department at Amber Grid.
Read more Plant in June – and enjoy in July: this flower amazes with almost black blooms
The length of high-pressure main gas pipelines in Lithuania reaches almost 2300 km, stretching through two-thirds of all Lithuanian municipalities. Part of this infrastructure is over fifty years old, and in remote areas – meadows, forests – the pipeline is not technically adapted for intensive above-ground activities.
“For example, at intersections with roads or railways, additional protective pipeline casings are installed, which absorb vibrations caused by vehicles and protect against changes in ground level. Meanwhile, in forests, the infrastructure lacks such protections. Rides in the protection zone can loosen the soil, and in wet or marshy areas, vehicles leave deep ruts – as a result, the protective soil layer above the pipeline becomes too thin. We constantly inspect the entire pipeline route, cooperate with the State Forest Enterprise, and together strive to convey to residents that activity in the pipeline protection zone is prohibited not due to formalities,” says the company representative.
Prohibited because potentially dangerous
Main gas pipelines transport natural gas and biomethane under high pressure, which are flammable and explosive substances, so the facility is considered potentially dangerous. If the pipeline, for example, were damaged due to strong vibrations, a fire could ignite even without a direct source of flame. If a high-pressure pipe is damaged, the escaping gas flow is so strong that it lifts soil clods and stones, which can create sparks and ignite the gas escaping outside.
A protection zone of 25 meters on both sides from the pipeline axis is established around the high-pressure main gas pipeline. It is precisely in this protection zone that activities absolutely prohibited or restricted, which at first glance may seem harmless, are enforced.
For example, in the forest within the pipeline protection zone, it is forbidden to pitch tents, keep campers or trailers, make fires, use grills, set up tourist campsites, organize mass events or gatherings, or park cars. Constantly caused vibrations are considered risky, as well as activities that change the surface soil level. Ignoring these rules in the pipeline protection zone can result in fines ranging from 150 to 2400 euros.
Additional marking – to encourage awareness
Information that a main gas pipeline is installed underground in the area is constantly provided by yellow marking posts with informational plates along the pipeline route. They are installed along the main gas pipeline route no closer than 1 meter from the pipeline and no less than 500 meters apart. The plates informing about the underground high-pressure pipeline indicate the width of the protection zone, a warning about danger, the name of the operating company, and a phone number.
However, to further increase visibility in places where constant intense off-road vehicle movement is recorded, Amber Grid takes additional measures and installs visual information stands with the slogan “Do not disturb the pipeline.”
“We want to encourage people’s awareness, convey how powerful the infrastructure underground is, and that irresponsible behavior can cause serious consequences. The pipeline protection zone is definitely not a place to rebel against safety requirements,” says Amber Grid’s communications manager Eglė Krasauskienė.
She reminds that detailed information about main gas pipeline protection zones, applicable restrictions, and permitted activities is provided in the Amber Grid website section for landowners. In the REGIA online map database, residents can also check whether their plot is crossed by a main gas pipeline, in which areas activities require Amber Grid’s approval, or special land use conditions apply – this information is constantly updated.
Read more Pharmacist named dangerous signs: when a sick child must be taken to the hospital
