The oil pipeline, which crosses the canal near Occupation Bridge, was originally constructed during the Second World War as part of the UK Government Pipelines and Storage System (GPSS). This particular pipeline connects Avonmouth, near Bristol, with the Stanlow oil refinery on Merseyside. It also supplied fuel storage depots at Gloucester Docks, Upon-On-Severn, Worcester and Stourport (all since closed) amongst others.
As part of the Phase 1b restoration programme, the 10 inch (250mm) pipeline will be routed under the canal. This will be achieved using a horizontal boring technique where a pit is dug on each side of the canal. From one of these, a boring machine will create a route under the canal bed for the diverted pipe, without affecting the canal above.
In 2015 the GPSS was sold to CLH Pipeline System (CLH-PS) Ltd, a private company. In February 2021 CLH-PS changed its name to Exolum Pipeline System Ltd.
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