Pipeline construction projects often span hundreds of kilometres and cross diverse landscapes — from wetlands to agricultural land, forested areas, and urban zones. Along the route, crews encounter streams, rivers, and areas of high groundwater that require careful management to meet environmental regulations and keep the project moving.

One of the most consistent challenges is treating water affected by soil disturbance, hydrocarbon exposure, and other contaminants generated during the construction process.

Where the Water Comes From

In pipeline construction, excess water can enter the work zone from:

• Excavation dewatering — removing groundwater or rainwater from trenches
• Stream or river crossings — where in-water work disturbs sediment and releases fine particles
• Hydrostatic testing — filling and pressurizing the pipeline to test integrity, then discharging the water
• Stormwater runoff — rain or snowmelt picking up contaminants from work areas

Each source can carry its own mix of sediments, hydrocarbons, and other pollutants.

The Regulatory Pressure

Pipeline projects are under close scrutiny from regulators and environmental monitors. Discharge water often needs to meet strict turbidity (NTU) and contaminant (PPM) limits before it can be released back into the environment. Non-compliance can cause project delays, fines, or reputational damage.

Regulatory requirements can vary by province or region, but common limits include:

• NTU levels below 5–25 for discharge into fish-bearing waters
• Hydrocarbon concentrations below detectable thresholds
• pH levels within safe ranges for aquatic life

The Role of Flocculants in Pipeline Projects

Flocculants are a practical and scalable way to remove suspended solids, hydrocarbons, and certain metals from water before discharge. TigerFloc, for example, combines natural clay minerals with silica-based coagulants to:

• Reduce turbidity rapidly (500 NTU to 8 NTU in 30 seconds in field testing)
• Bind multiple contaminant types in a single treatment step
• Work efficiently at large volumes with minimal product use
• Remain safe for use in eco-sensitive areas along the pipeline route

Deployment Methods in the Field

Pipeline construction environments are dynamic, so water treatment needs to be flexible. Common TigerFloc deployment methods include:

1. Belt or sock systems
Placed in discharge channels to treat flowing water continuously, ideal for dewatering and runoff.

2. Bulk dosing
Applied directly into treatment ponds or portable tanks for large-volume batches such as hydrostatic test water.

3. Portable treatment units
Used where water needs to be treated quickly and space is limited.

On-site jar tests are critical for confirming the right dosage for specific site water conditions — especially since water chemistry can change quickly during the project.

Environmental and Operational Benefits

Using TigerFloc on pipeline projects offers dual advantages:

• Regulatory compliance — consistent NTU and PPM reductions help meet discharge limits without re-treatment delays
• Operational efficiency — rapid treatment allows water to be discharged or reused sooner, keeping the project on schedule

Its low dosage requirements also reduce the logistical challenges of supplying and storing large amounts of treatment product along a long pipeline route.

Real-World Applications

While client details are confidential, TigerFloc has been deployed on major Canadian pipeline projects to treat millions of litres of dewatering and hydrostatic test water. In each case, the product’s ability to reduce turbidity and contaminant levels quickly helped crews maintain compliance and avoid costly delays.

Conclusion

Water management is a critical part of pipeline construction, affecting environmental compliance, project schedules, and overall costs. By using a proven treatment solution like TigerFloc, operators can handle high volumes of contaminated water efficiently, safely, and in full compliance with environmental regulations.

Contact Floc Systems to learn how TigerFloc can support your next pipeline project, from planning through final discharge.