Pipeline Safety
What you need to know.
At Plains, we work to keep our employees, neighbors, and communities safe by creating awareness of any unsafe practices that might lead to injury or property damage.
When it comes to any work that might cause ground disturbance—including construction, landscaping, planting a garden, or building a fence—it’s important to learn about any potential risks before breaking ground. Any ground activity—large or small—has the potential to damage a buried pipeline, which could result in serious injury, fatality, or property damage.
Damaging underground utilities can have serious consequences, including:
- Personal injury to you, Plains employees, and others
- Environmental consequences
- Loss of essential services, creating a safety risk for yourself and others
- Expensive restoration costs and potential legal or regulatory action
Call or Click Before You Dig
Why Call or Click?
At Plains, we prioritize the safety of our communities. Calling 811 in the US or using the “Click Before You Dig” service in Canada helps prevent damage to our underground pipelines and ensures the safety of everyone involved. It is a legal requirement to contact 811 or use the “Click Before You Dig” service before starting any digging project. This helps avoid potential fines and repair costs.
How Does It Work?
- Dial 811 if you’re in the US, or visit ClickBeforeYouDig.com if you’re in Canada, a few days before you plan to dig. This service is quick, easy, and free.
- Utility companies, including Plains, will send professionals to mark the location of underground lines with paint or flags. Always wait the required time to allow utility and pipeline representatives to mark the location of lines in the area.
- Once the area is marked, you can proceed with your project, avoiding the marked lines.
When to Call or Click 811?
- Home Projects: Planting tree
- s, installing fences, building decks, or any other project that involves digging.
- Professional Projects: Construction, landscaping, or any other commercial digging activities.
What Happens If You Don’t Call or Click?
- Risk of Injury: Striking an underground utility line can cause serious injuries or fatalities.
- Service Disruptions: Damaging a utility line can disrupt essential services like gas, water, and electricity.
- Costly Repairs: You may be held responsible for repair costs and legal liabilities.
Remember:Always call 811 if you’re in the US, or use the “Click Before You Dig” service if you’re in Canada, before you dig. It’s simple, free, and it’s the law. At Plains, we are committed to keeping our communities safe.
Did You Know?
A right-of-way (ROW) is the area of land directly above underground infrastructure that provides space for pipeline operators to perform operational activities, including pipeline maintenance, inspections, and repairs. You can identify a ROW by its clearly marked warning signs, and it will typically be cleared of trees and vegetation. To protect the public and the integrity of the pipeline, certain activities are prohibited in ROWs.
