Digging, excavating, or landscaping? Click before you dig.

Liberty New Brunswick and WorkSafeNB are reminding New Brunswickers that they are required by law to obtain a pipeline locate before digging, excavating, or landscaping. Hitting a buried natural gas line can cause serious injury and expensive repairs for you and/or your contractor.

“When beginning any work, from a simple tree planting project to major excavation, it’s important to plan ahead and obtain a pipeline locate,” said Patrick Wall, director of operations, for Liberty New Brunswick.

Companies, contractors, and other individuals who fail to determine the location of buried natural gas pipelines before breaking ground and cause damage to a natural gas line may be liable for the cost of repairs and could face additional fines or charges.

“Failing to obtain a pipeline locate could be costly,” Wall said. “Digging, landscaping, or even grinding tree stumps in the wrong spot could cut off essential services to neighbourhoods and cause damage or personal injury.”

Eric Brideau, WorkSafeNB’s director of technical services/chief compliance officer, added: “In addition to obtaining a locate, it is important to use adequate procedures when working near a pipeline. At a minimum, when working around Liberty’s pipeline, the adequate procedures shall be from the pipeline owner. It helps workers recognize the risks and take appropriate precautions. It not only leads to safe working conditions for workers, but a safe environment for all.”

The public is urged to plan ahead by visiting www.clickbeforeyoudig.com or calling 1-866-344-5463 at least three working days (72 hours) in advance of any digging. If necessary, a Liberty representative will visit the site and will identify and mark the location of underground pipes, so they can be avoided while working in the area.

Be safe at home and at work. Visit www.clickbeforeyoudig.com or call 1-866-344-5463 to request a utility line locate. It’s free and it’s the law. For more information, visit www.libertyenergyandwater.com.