Driving over pipelines

Did you know that driving over a pipeline could damage the integrity of the pipe over time, potentially leading to weakness or corrosion in the pipeline?

It’s why road, highway and other common crossings are designed with weight loads, traffic frequency and depth in mind, often using thicker pipe, deeper installation or other mitigating measures to reduce the impact to the pipe.

For this reason, it is important to always contact the pipeline operator if you need to drive equipment or heavy loads over a pipeline right-of-way that is not part of a highway or public road.

Check out this simplified video that demonstrates how weight can impact a pipeline if proper measures aren’t taken, leading to shape changes or damage to the protective coating.

To help protect the pipeline, special measures can be taken to help distribute the weight of the crossing and minimize any impact to the pipeline.

If you need to cross a pipeline right-of-way, simply contact our crossings team. You can avoid delays in your work by contacting them early, at least 10 days in advance, and we will work with you to find a way to do so safely.

Often, consent for minor activities can be obtained directly from a regional Oil Pipestream representative through a locate request.

You may only be driving over it once or twice, but for a pipeline designed to last decades, each incident adds up. Help keep the pipeline and the community safe, and get approval first.

Life-saving information

Consequences of unsafe digging

Did you know that in most provinces and states, it is a legal requirement to contact your local One-Call service before digging or excavation? These cosequences may include:

Fines and repair costs to fix the underground utility

• Provincial, state or federal regulators can levy hefty fines to both the person excavating and the company responsible, depending on the local regulations

• Repairs to utilities often cost more than the value of your original project, not including reclamation and clean-up costs

Interrupted services such as electricity, gas and water

• Underground utilities carry essential and critical services for the community. Interruptions to these are more than just minor inconveniences; they can put people, businesses and livelihoods at risk

• Some utilities are buried as little as 12 inches below the surface, so even a simple shovel can cause serious damage

Risk of serious injuries and death

• Since 2008, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has reported 715 injured workers and 79 fatalities due to damages done to underground infrastructures during excavation work*.

*Source (PHMSA, 2018)

Signs of a potential pipeline leak

Although a pipeline leak is rare, it is important to know how to recognize the signs. Use your senses of smell, sight and hearing to detect a potential pipeline leak.

What you may smell

Natural gas

Transmission lines that transport natural gas across Canada are rarely odourized, but may have a slight hydrocarbon smell. Distribution lines that transport natural gas to homes and businesses are odourized and could smell skunk-like or similar to rotten eggs.

Oil

Many petroleum products have a distinct smell. Crude oil can possess a rotten egg, gasoline, tar or skunk-like odor.

What you may see

Natural gas

Dead or dying vegetation on or near a pipeline in a normally green area
Water bubbling or blowing into the air at a pond, creek or river
Dirt being blown or appearing to be thrown into the air
An accumulation of ice or frost over the pipeline (in the summer)

Oil

Amber to black liquid
Rainbow sheen or black liquid on top of water
Discoloured vegetation on or near a pipeline in an area that is usually green
Stained or melted snow/ice over pipeline areas

What you may hear

Oil or natural gas

A hissing, roaring or bubbling sound

Steps to take in the event of a pipeline leak

If you witness any of the signs listed above, or any other unusual sights, sounds or smells near a pipeline location, follow these steps immediately:

Leave the area on foot – don’t use motor vehicles or any equipment that could be a potential ignition source.
Move to a safe location and call ‘911’.
Call Oil Pipestream's emergency number. The emergency number can also be found on all Oil Pipestream pipeline marker signs.
Warn others to stay away.

Frequently Asked Questions

I know where the pipeline is, do I still need to make a One-Call?
You can never be sure where underground utilities are unless they have been marked by a professional. Utilities can shift from erosion or natural forces or new ones may have been installed without your knowledge. Using the free One-Call service allows you to conduct your work safely.

How do I contact my local One-Call service?
Luckily there are resources to help you reach your local service easily. In Canada, you can visit www.ClickBeforeYouDig.com to find your local One-Call service, as well as other useful safe-digging rules and regulations in your province. In the U.S. you can dial 811 or visit www.call811.com to get in touch with your state’s provider.

When do I need to make a One-Call?
You need to make a locate request anytime you are disturbing the ground. This includes digging, piling material, paving or even driving equipment over a right-of-way. Any action that could impact something below the surface counts as ground disturbance.

What is a crossing agreement?
A crossing agreement is an agreement between you and the pipeline operator that allows you to conduct your work safely with the permission and understanding of the pipeline operator. Any changes to your work need to also be approved to ensure your safety.

How do I know if I need a crossing agreement?
If you plan to do any work on a right-of-way or access the right-of-way while conducting your work, there’s a good chance you need a crossing agreement. To find out for sure, you can either make a One-Call and wait for the pipeline operator to contact you, or you can contact the pipeline operator directly through their crossings team. Contact information can be found on this page.

What is the “prescribed area”?
The prescribed area is the area that extends 30 metres on either side of the pipeline centerline. Ground disturbance within this area requires written consent.