When we install the replacement pipeline, we commit to:
Investing in the
future
We (Esso Petroleum Company, Limited) launched our Southampton to London Pipeline Project late in 2017 to replace 90km of our 105km aviation fuel pipeline that runs from our Fawley Refinery near Southampton, to our West London Terminal storage facility in Hounslow.
We are now consulting on our preferred route. This will provide an opportunity for anyone who wishes to take part, to comment on the project. This consultation includes:
- The preferred route for the replacement pipeline
- The location of permanent above ground infrastructure such as isolation valves, inspection (pigging) stations and corrosion protection cabinets
- A preliminary view on potential environmental impacts and proposed mitigation
We are committed to listening to organisations, communities, landowners and members of the public as the project progresses.
We will not install the replacement pipeline under any existing homes. Typically, installation of the pipeline itself could take around two to three months in a local area. However, in complex areas, especially where trenchless techniques are used, this might be significantly longer. The pipeline will be buried. Once installed it will be a quiet neighbour.
Please note the consultation closes on 19th October 2018 at 2345. More information about the consultation can be found on our Preferred route consultation page.
If you would like to view our FAQs, please click here.
Project Commitments
Protect habitats by using a 10m working width when crossing boundaries between fields where there are hedgegrows, trees or watercources.
Avoid all areas of existing classified Ancient Woodland.
Reduce disruption to travel by using trenchless installation techniques for crossing trunk roads, motorways and railways.
Include remotely operated valves to enable sections of the pipeline to be isolated, if necessary.
Ensure that the principles of safe design have been incorporated into the design of the pipeline, as per Esso’s design standards for fuel pipelines, relevant industry codes of practice, and the requirements of the Pipelines Safety Regulations 1996.
Reduce impacts on habitats and soil quality by typically using a standard working width of 30m for open cut trench installation in rural areas.
Protect waterways that are over 30m wide by using trenchless crossings.
Install ‘water stops’ to reduce the risk of underground water impacting on the materials that support the pipe.
Avoid installation in existing Source Protection Zone 1 (SPZ 1) areas to reduce impacts on sources of drinking water.
Monitor the operation of the pipeline 24 hours a day to detect any changes and remotely shut down the pipeline if needed.
