Landslide-related ruptures of the Camisea pipeline system, Peru

The Camisea pipeline system, Peru, comprises two buried pipelines within the same right-of-way; a natural gas line (714 km) and a natural gas liquids (NGL) line (540 km). The pipelines originate at the Camisea gas field near Malvinas in the Amazon jungle (Selva) and continue across the Andes (Sierra) to the Pacific coast (Costa). During the first 30 months of operation, the NGL line ruptured six times; four of these incidents were caused by landslide movements. This note describes the landslide incidents and summarizes the key issues related to route selection and geological studies that were carried out to support design and construction of the pipeline system. It highlights the major post-incident investment required by the operating company to minimize the risk of further pipeline damage.