Elevating Environmental Oversight: The Power of Drone Inspections

Enhancing Safety and Efficiency with Advanced Drone Technology

Many of our success stories come from our System One subsidiary brands. Check out the extensive mapping and inspection capabilities of RPG Resources, our leading environmental services company. Their cloud-based unarmed aerial systems (drone) services are faster, less expensive, and safer than conventional methods, and clients can view the data the same day as the environmental drone inspections, saving travel time.

RPG's drone program began by creating updated aerial maps and inspecting right-of-way areas (areas designated for transportation or infrastructure). Over time, they've added more advanced features, including thermal imaging, construction and design monitoring, and sophisticated mapping techniques like drainage modeling and vegetation analysis. They also offer 3D modeling and use point cloud data to create detailed terrain maps. Plus, they've integrated 360-degree cameras into their drone workflow, allowing clients to view a site from the ground and the air.

Scenario

EQT, an energy company, faced a significant challenge in inspecting nearly 25 miles of waterline with unsafe terrain. Traditional inspection methods, which required personnel to navigate these hazardous areas on foot, posed substantial safety risks. Additionally, the need to detect leaks and environmental concerns efficiently made it clear that a more advanced solution was necessary.

RPG stepped in with a program of environmental drone inspections that offered a safer, more efficient alternative to conventional inspections. Using advanced drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras, RPG was able to inspect the entire waterline from the air, eliminating the need for personnel to enter dangerous areas. The thermal imaging technology allowed for accurate detection of leaks and potential environmental issues along the line. Once data was collected, it was uploaded to RPG's cloud-based software, providing EQT with immediate access to detailed reports and images. This system allowed EQT to review any area in greater detail at their convenience.

Benefits

Over the past six years, RPG's drone inspections have significantly reduced the safety risks associated with waterline inspections while providing a cost-effective and time-efficient solution for EQT. The cloud-based reporting system has streamlined EQT's ability to quickly monitor and address any issues along the waterline.

RPG's drone program has provided EQT with safer, faster, and more cost-effective solutions than traditional inspection methods. The partnership continues to evolve, delivering high-quality work that meets EQT's needs while reducing risks and costs.