Pipelines in Your Community

Pipeline operators take every precaution to ensure the safe operations of their pipelines, but it is important that landowners and neighbors along pipelines are aware of the location of these pipelines and pipeline safety. CEPA member companies strive to ensure everyone knows the precautions to take when excavating near pipelines, how to recognize a pipeline leak, and what to do if a leak occurs.

Because they are underground, pipelines are mostly invisible. For those living in communities nearby pipeline, the first step to ensuring community safety is to know where pipelines are.

Know where the pipelines are

To help the public know where pipelines are located, CEPA member companies post above-ground signs warning of nearby pipelines and identifying pipeline right-of ways.

Warning signs/markers are the first line of defense ensuring community safety. CEPA member companies place large, colourful warning signs along the pipeline route. These warning signs are critical to reducing risks to community safety – they are required by the federal and various provincial regulators with a responsibility to protecting public safety.

The most visible locations are chosen for warning signs – along highways, at road, railway and water crossing and other prominent locations. Warning signs clearly and continuously mark the pipeline’s location along pipeline right-of-ways.

Right-of-ways are the tracts of land above buried pipelines. Pipeline companies acquire right to use the land for construction, operation, inspection and maintenance of their pipelines, but do not usually own the land. Right-of-ways identify an area where certain activities are prohibited to protect the public and the integrity of the pipeline.

Right-of ways are typically cleared of trees and most vegetation, as well as building and other structures, and are always clearly marked with warning signs.

Pipelines are placed at a certain depth to reduce risk to public safety and to adhere to regulations. But due to erosion and human activity, sometimes the depth of pipelines can by shallower than intended. Extreme caution must be taken when excavating near a pipeline.

If you have any doubt, Call Before You Dig.