A reminder to Dig Safe
May 28, 2025
With bright sunshine and warm weather most days, spring is clearly upon us now, and it’s the season when many Canadians head outside to start working on their gardens, yards or fields. It is also the time of year when a wide variety of construction and ground disturbance activities commence, so it is no surprise that it’s the time of year when the CER reminds those who may be working near pipelines to 'Dig Safe!'
Every day, we receive reports from pipeline companies that communicate unlawful or dangerous acts near federally regulated pipelines. Many of these report unlawful ground disturbances near pipelines, which are completely avoidable! If there's one takeaway this year, it’s that if something catastrophic could happen, the risk is not worth taking.
The good news? Preventing an incident is simple and entirely possible. Here’s what you have to do:
- Access Click Before You Dig before starting any digging projects, big or small.
- Wait for the utility locate staff to show up to locate the pipeline or buried utilities. Be sure to plan ahead as this can take up to three business days.
- Make sure you understand what the markings mean before you dig.
- Do not dig, build or drive on a pipeline right-of-way without written consent or a permit.
We all have a role to play in keeping ourselves and our communities safe. Happy Dig Safe Season!
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