Dakota Access Pipeline Project

• Location Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota
• Timeline2016
• Construction
  MethodsMainline construction
  Horizontal Directional Drilling
  Automatic welding
  Heavy civil
  Pipe fabrication
  

Scope

Michels constructed 379 miles of 30-inch pipeline on three spreads. Spread 4: 60 miles in Iowa and 67 miles in South Dakota, Spread 5: 124 miles in South Dakota, Spread 6: 82 miles in South Dakota and 46 miles in North Dakota. Construction of DAPL was challenging due to an accelerated 6-month construction window. During peak operations, Michels utilized more than 2,000 people and 1,300 pieces of heavy equipment.

In addition to traditional mainline construction, Michels completed 14 horizontal directional drills (HDD), custom fabricated facilities; built three pump stations; and performed heavy civil and foundations work. HDD was used to trenchlessly build the pipeline under wetlands, creeks, cliffs and rivers totaling 7.5 miles. After preparing the right-of-way and stringing the pipe, Michels completed and tested more than 9,000 welds in the field. An additional 2,300 welds were completed and tested in Michels fabrication shop.

Weeks prior to construction started, Michels HSE personnel were on hand to meet with local fire, police and sheriff's departments, hospital staff and municipal officials. During construction approximately 15 HSE members handled safety orientations on three spreads.