Working Around Our Pipelines
Important Information If You Live Or Work Near An Underground Pipeline
There are many reasons that stakeholders, including landholders, councils or developers, may need to access land near one of our pipelines.
While pipelines are one of the safest forms of transporting gas, there are potential risks when working on land near our largely underground pipeline – the most obvious being excavation or digging.
If You Plan To Work Near The Pipeline Easement
For Notification
Phone 1100 or
www.byda.com.au
Epic Energy’s pipeline easements average 25 metres wide but can be up to 50 metres wide. Danger signs at regular intervals identify the pipeline route, however, these signs do not mark the exact location of the buried pipeline.
You must contact BEFORE YOU DIG AUSTRALIA (dial 1100 or go to www.byda.com.au) if you plan any of the following activities near one of Epic Energy’s pipeline easements:
- fencing
- digging
- drilling
- trenching
- construction
- drainage work
- use of explosives
- land levelling or contouring
- use of vibrating machinery
- transporting heavy loads
If the work is near an Epic Energy pipeline you will be contacted by Epic Energy and advised on works approval and site supervision requirement. This is a free service however penalties apply for non-approved work within the pipeline easement.
Contact BEFORE YOU DIG AUSTRALIA if you are considering any type of construction near the easement. Structures of any kind are not permitted on the easement.
Do’s And Don'ts Near An Underground Pipeline
Follow these guidelines to ensure your safety near an underground pipeline.
Don’t Fence, Dig, Drill, Excavate Or Bore On The Easement Without Contacting BEFORE YOU DIG AUSTRALIA (ph: 1100, www.byda.com.au)
Epic Energy’s pipelines are buried underground at various depths which can change over time due to nature and human activity. Excavation on the easement must be monitored by Epic Energy to avoid rupturing the pipeline or damaging its protective coating. An Epic Energy representative will visit your work site to determine the exact location and depth of the pipeline and will supervise the works to completion.
Don’t Allow Contractors To Work On The Easement Without Contacting BEFORE YOU DIG AUSTRALIA (ph: 1100, www.byda.com.au)
If you have contractors doing work near a pipeline easement, they must contact BEFORE YOU DIG AUSTRALIA to avoid damaging the pipeline. If necessary we will liaise directly with your contractors to ensure the right precautions are taken and will supervise works at all times.
Don’t Plant Large Trees Or Dense Shrubbery Or Impound Water On The Easement
The warning signs marking the pipeline route or “line of sight” must be visible from sign to sign. Trees or shrubs will obstruct the “line of sight”. The roots of large trees and shrubs could damage the pipeline’s protective coating. Only low growing shrubs, crops and grasses can be grown on a pipeline easement. Dams are not permitted on the easement.
Do Contact Epic Energy To Report Unauthorised Activity On Or Near The Pipeline Easement
When possible, our field crews will notify you before entering your property to inspect, survey or maintain the pipeline or easement. Contact us on our emergency free call number if you notice anyone working on or near the pipeline easement who is not contracted by you or who is not an Epic Energy representative.
How To Identify Pipeline Leaks
Immediately contact Epic Energy if you notice any of the following on the pipeline easement:
- a hissing or roaring sound
- any unusual odour near the pipeline
- dead or discoloured vegetation in an otherwise green location
- fire
- fly or insect swarm
What To Do In An Emergency
If you know, or suspect, a pipeline is leaking or damaged:
- your safety is your first priority
- leave the area immediately
- avoid creating sparks (do not use vehicles, mobile phones and cameras) or using sources (cigarettes, matches, lighters) that could ignite the gas
- immediately call our emergency free call number, give your name, a description of the leak, its location and the telephone number you are calling from, and
- call the Police on 000 if you do not know who operates the pipeline
PIPELINES EMERGENCIES FREE CALL EPIC ENERGY - 1800 625 665