Horizontal Directional Drilling

Typical horizontal
directional drilling method

This is an example of one of a number
of watercourse crossing methods.
River
Horizontal drilling Pre-assembled

pipe section
pulled through
Direction of pulling back
Horizontal Directional Drilling

Specialized construction for large waterways and sensitive areas
What is horizontal segment can be pulled through the

directional drilling? underground arched tunnel from
one end to the other end. These
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) pipeline segments are typically
is a construction technique whereby made of thicker steel and have a
a tunnel is drilled under a designated protective first layer of coating to
area, and a pipeline or other prevent corrosion and a second
utility is pulled through the drilled abrasion-resistant coating to protect
underground tunnel. the pipe during the pull through the
The underground tunnel follows tunnel. The two ends of the pipeline
an arc line from the entry point, segment can then be welded
together with the rest of that For large rivers or certain sensitive
down under the special crossing crossings, directional drilling is
area, and then resurfaces on the pipeline system.
an appropriate and preferred
opposite side. Using advanced construction method, depending
technology and highly trained on geologic conditions and other
technicians, a drill head guides Why is HDD used?
factors. HDD construction is
the drilling pipe electronically to Long-distance underground considered suitable for large river
ensure the angle, depth, and exit pipelines are built across open crossings, extreme congestion
point adhere to carefully designed areas, such as rural farmlands and (e.g. crossing rail yards), or other
engineering plans. urban utility corridors. Typically, unique site-specific situations
Throughout the drilling process, construction crews clear an because it minimizes impacts on the
the tunnel is kept open and approved route, dig a specially area above the drill.
lubricated by circulating a watery prepared trench, lower welded
sections of pipeline into the trench, Although land around the drill entry
mud-slurry mixture, typically and exit locations is disturbed during
composed of about 95% water and carefully replace removed soil
for the restoration process. HDD activities, it will be restored to
and 5% bentonite clay—a natural, its pre-drill state.
non-toxic substance. The drilling Usually, this method is preferred for
mud also helps coat the walls of the open area installation and can be
tunnel and remove drill cuttings. completed in a way that minimizes
When the tunnel is 12 inches wider environmental and stakeholder
than the diameter of the pipe going impact, even in sensitive areas.
through it, the welded pipeline
In case of emergency, please find a safe place to

call 911 and then call Enbridge at 1-877-420-8800.
What can I expect during Is there regulatory However, if a significant amount of
directional drilling? oversight? drilling mud surfaces outside the
drilling area, Enbridge may need
Drilling equipment creates noise Yes. to suspend drilling operations and
during operations. Therefore, The design and construction of implement more extensive clean-
Enbridge will, when possible, restrict petroleum pipelines is governed up and containment measures.
drilling activity to daylight hours if by the Canada Energy Regulator. Being only 5% bentonite, if the
the equipment is close to occupied As part of the planning, technical mixture enters a waterway, it is
buildings or homes. Construction codes and standards are followed usually sufficiently diluted by the
crews may also reduce noise by in preparing detailed geotechnical river so that no active cleanup is
using structures on the drill site that investigations and engineering necessary. In any case, Enbridge will
are designed to buffer and reduce surveys. Depending on the location work directly with the appropriate
surrounding sound levels. and purpose of the HDD, some local, environmental agencies throughout
provincial or federal authorizations the drilling operation.
or permits may also be required.
Enbridge plans and performs HDD
crossings according to exacting
standards, and meets or exceeds
regulatory requirements.
Are there
environmental risks?
HDD is chosen as a construction
The length of time needed for technique to reduce or avoid
drilling depends on the distance environmental impact. As with any In some unusual situations,
of the underground drill; the construction process, however, HDD attempts to complete directional
geology; the pipeline’s diameter; is not 100% risk-free. drilling may not be successful. In
and, the progress of drilling the event this occurs, Enbridge may
operations. Sometimes, drilling Normally, the drilling mixture of
need to propose and seek permits
can be completed in just a few water and bentonite clay remains
for alternative ways to cross the
weeks. Other times it may take a within the tunnel, including the
area using traditional construction
few months to complete. Advanced surface entry and exit points, as
techniques and implement
planning can provide an estimated it circulates during drilling. This
appropriate environmental
completion time for any specific maintains the tunnel’s shape.
protection measures
drill site. These timetables, However, the drilling mud can inconsultation with designated
however, can be affected by sometimes surface elsewhere environmental agencies.
unforeseen conditions. through natural cracks or voids
in subsurface soils. This is an
unintended release of drilling mud
referred to as inadvertent return.
Highly specialized construction
technicians using advanced
monitoring equipment along with
visual monitoring watch for potential
problems. Often, the bentonite
mixture itself will seal a hole,
preventing and minimizing seepage.
In case of emergency, please find a safe place to

call 911 and then call Enbridge at 1-877-420-8800.

Horizontal Directional Drilling

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Typical horizontal

directional drilling method

Horizontal drilling Pre-assembled

Direction of pulling back

Horizontal Directional Drilling

What is horizontal segment can be pulled through the

In case of emergency, please find a safe place to

In case of emergency, please find a safe place to

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