Digging Safely Around Pipelines
State laws require you to maintain minimum clearance, or tolerance zone, between the point of excavation and a marked pipeline.
Even the most minor damage to a pipeline can have serious consequences. If you cause or witness even minor damage to a pipeline or its protective coating:
- Evacuate the area, call 911 and the pipelne company immediately
- Do not excavate further
- Do not inspect or investigate
- Do not attempt to move the equipment, even if it appears to be lodged
The Tolerance Zone is a defined horizontal space from the outside wall or edge of an underground line or pipe. Some state laws and/or pipeline operators require excavators to notify the pipeline operator when they are digging within a certain number of feet of the pipeline, for example, 25 feet. However, the exact footage can vary. Be familiar with your state law and local pipeline operate requirements.
For more information on the tolerance zone requirements in your state, please visit: https://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/comm/DamagePreventionSummary.htm
Additional Resources
- Identified Sites Registry
- National Emergency Number Association
- National Pipeline Mapping System
- CoRE - Pipeline Safety Training
- Additional Pipeline Safety Information
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