With the weather getting warmer, I’m sure many of us are ready to begin spring gardening and home renovation plans. As April kicks off, Safe Digging Month begins.
That’s why it’s important to recognize gas pipeline safety and reflect on the critical need for safe excavation practices.
Here at the Public Service Commission, we have our own team of safe digging experts within the Gas Pipeline Safety Division.
Our dedicated people closely monitor construction sites across West Virginia to ensure safe digging practices are followed, and they diligently review records from natural gas utility companies, and other gas and hazardous liquid gathering and transmission pipelines. They play a vital role in ensuring these companies adhere to all safety rules and regulations regarding natural gas and hazardous liquids.
Our Gas Pipeline Safety Division oversees approximately 17,500 miles of pipeline throughout the state. This responsibility includes regulating all aspects of pipeline safety, from the initial design phase to operations and maintenance and ultimately abandonment.
The Division’s work ensures that pipeline personnel follow federal pipeline and state safety regulations and that pipelines remain safe and reliable.
The Gas Pipeline Safety staff is trained directly by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), ensuring the members are up to date with the latest federal standards. Many of the team also have hands-on field experience, giving them a unique perspective and understanding of pipeline safety on the ground.
While you may not have your own gas pipeline safety team at home, you can still do your part by always calling 811 before you dig. This simple action is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidental damage to gas pipelines and other underground utilities such as water, sewer, or communications.
The free 811 call connects you with an operator who will contact the appropriate underground facility, who will then send a worker to locate and mark the location of any underground facilities in your area. You can also submit an 811 notification online. Remember that this notification needs to be done at least two working days prior to digging.
Gas pipelines can be difficult to detect, and even a small mistake, like striking a pipeline while digging, can lead to service outages, dangerous gas leaks, fires, or, in some cases, explosions.
Remember, calling 811 isn’t just for contractors or large construction projects; it’s free and essential for any digging task, big or small!
Even simple activities like planting a tree or installing a mailbox can unintentionally damage underground pipelines if you’re not careful.
Safe Digging Month is a reminder for all of us to do our part. That’s why the Public Service Commission urges you to take this important step to protect West Virginia’s underground facilities and ensure the safety of everyone in our communities
