Virginia Law

A. Encasement pipe shall be required where it is necessary to avoid trenched construction, to protect carrier pipe from external loads or shock, or to convey leaking fluids or gases away from the areas directly beneath the traveled way if the utility has less than minimal cover; is near footings of bridges, utilities or other highway structures; crosses unstable ground; or is near other locations where hazardous conditions may exist. Encasements crossing nonlimited access rights-of-way shall extend a suitable distance beyond the slope for side ditches and beyond the back of curb in curbed sections. The district administrator's designee may require encasement pipe even if an installation meets industry standards for nonencasement.

Casing pipe shall be sealed at the ends with approved material to prevent flowing water and debris from entering the annular space between the casing and the carrier. All necessary appurtenances such as vents and markers shall be included.

B. Uncased crossings of welded steel pipelines carrying transmittants that are flammable, corrosive, expansive, energized, or unstable, particularly if carried at high pressure, may be permitted subject to the following conditions:

1. The applicant provides supporting data documenting that its proposed installation meets or exceeds industry standards for unencased crossings,

2. The applicant provides supporting data documenting that the pipeline will support the anticipated load generated by highway traffic, and

3. All unencased pipeline crossings that fail must be relocated a minimum of 36 inches to either side of the failure. The failed line shall then be filled with grout and plugged at both ends.