Further provisions about works
16.—(1) Where a trench is excavated across or parallel to the line of a pipeline, the backfill must be adequately compacted to prevent any settlement which could subsequently cause damage to the pipeline.
(2) Proposed methods and locations of compacting must be notified to the owner and operator of the pipeline in accordance with paragraph 4.
(3) Compaction testing must be carried out once back filling is completed to establish whether the backfill has been adequately compacted as referred to in sub-paragraph (1) and what further works may be necessary, and the results of such testing must be supplied to the owner and operator of the pipeline.
(4) Where it is shown by the testing under sub-paragraph (3) to be necessary, the undertaker must carry out further compaction testing under sub-paragraph (1) and sub-paragraphs (1), (2) and (3) continue to apply until such time as the backfill has been adequately compacted.
(5) In the event that it is necessary to provide permanent support to a pipeline which has been exposed over the length of the excavation before backfilling and reinstatement is carried out, the undertaker must pay to the owner or operator of the relevant pipeline a capitalised sum representing the increase of the costs (if any) which may be expected to be reasonably incurred in maintaining, working and, when necessary, renewing any such alterations or additions.
(6) In the event of a dispute as to—
(a)whether or not backfill has been adequately compacted under sub-paragraphs (1) to (4); or
(b)the amount of any payment under sub-paragraph (5),
the undertaker or the owner or operator of the relevant pipeline may refer the matter to an expert for determination under paragraph 34.