Pipeline Detection

Pipeline Markers...

Written agreements or easements between landowners and pipeline companies allow pipeline companies to construct and maintain pipeline rights-ofway across privately-owned property.

If you are not aware of pipelines on or near your property, check for pipeline markers posted on your property, along your property and elsewhere in your neighborhood. You may also check your property record at your County Clerk’s office.

Pipeline markers are an important safety precaution. Since pipelines are buried underground, pipeline markers are used to help in their identification Pipeline markers are found where a pipeline intersects a street, highway or railway. Be aware of any pipeline markers in your neighborhood. Write down the natural gas operator’s name and phone number in case of an emergency. While markers are helpful, they provide very limited information.

Call 811 Before You Dig...
Third-party excavation is the leading cause of underground pipeline damage. This damage is frequently caused by the excavator’s failure to request the location of utility facilities within construction limits.

State law requires anyone performing excavation activity to call Alabama One Call at least 48 hours before digging or excavating. Before you start any excavation activity on your property, contact Alabama One Call at 811 or 1-800-292-8525. Natural gas operators will mark the location of their lines at no cost to you.

Examples of excavation activities include planting trees or landscaping, building a fence, installing a swimming pool or any other major construction project. Be safe and remember to contact Alabama One Call before beginning any excavation activities
on your property.

What to do if you dig and disturb or damage a pipeline or natural gas line
Even if you cause what appears to be only minor damage to the pipeline, immediately notify the pipeline company. A gouge, scrape, dent or crease to the pipe or coating may cause a future rupture or leak. It is imperative that the pipeline owner inspects and repairs any damage to the line or related apparatus. Many states have laws requiring damages to be reported to the facility owner. Do not attempt to make repairs to the line yourself.

Can I build or dig on a right-of-way?
Pipeline rights-of-way must be kept free from structures and other obstructions to provide access to the pipeline for maintenance, as well as in the event of an emergency. If a pipeline crosses your property, please do not plant trees or high shrubs on the right-of-way. Do not dig, build, store or place anything on or near the rights-of-way without first having the pipeline company’s personnel mark
the pipeline or stake the rights-of-way and explain the company’s construction guidelines to you.