Enbridge Gas New Brunswick launches Sewer Safety Campaign

FREDERICTON, April 23, 2012 - Enbridge Gas New Brunswick is launching a sewer safety awareness campaign to encourage everyone in its service areas to call before using power equipment to clear a blocked sewer line beyond the outside wall of a home or business.

In recent years, utilities across North America have become aware that some of their infrastructure may have intersected with existing municipal sewer lines at the time of construction.

If a natural gas line inadvertently intersected with a sewer line, there is no safety issue as long as they are not interfered with. However, using rotating or water jetting equipment to clear a blocked sewer line can damage a natural gas line, causing a serious safety risk. Call Enbridge Gas New Brunswick before attempting to clear a blockage.

“Safety is our top priority and that’s why we are taking proactive steps to address this industry-wide issue here in New Brunswick,” explains Ed Armstrong, manager of distribution operations for Enbridge Gas New Brunswick. “We want anyone planning to use rotating or water jetting equipment beyond the outside wall of a home or business to call us at 1-800-994-2762 for a free natural gas locate if there is natural gas in your area. We need to confirm there is no natural gas line in the area before a sewer line can be cleared.”

As a utility focused on safety, Enbridge Gas New Brunswick has changed its construction practices to help eliminate this issue from occurring during future construction projects. The utility continues to work with government agencies and industry stakeholders to enhance safe working practices.

For more general information or to book a locate service, call the toll-free number at 1-800-994-2762. In Saint John call 1-866-344-5463.

Enbridge Gas New Brunswick is regulated by the New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board and has a distribution network that includes over 781 kilometers of natural gas pipeline. Enbridge Gas New Brunswick serves more than 11,000 customers in Dieppe, Dorchester, Fredericton, Moncton, Oromocto, Riverview, Sackville, Saint John, St. George and St. Stephen.