Reading Borough Council’s Post

Two Fortis lawsuit decisions in a month for excavation related gas line strikes with two different results. Why? All comes down to how clear (or unclear) the BC 1 Call results are. I recently posted about how the Civil Resolution Tribunal, in FortisBC Energy Inc. v. Lil Bear Contracting Corp., 2025 BCCRT 29, found that Fortis owed a duty to excavation companies to clearly indicate where gas lines are located when the excavation company asks. A failure in that duty resulted in a finding of contributory negligence when the gas line was struck. However, just a week later in FortisBC Energy Inc. v. Finest Construction & Renovation Ltd., 2025 BCCRT 73, the CRT found another excavation company 100% liable for the damage to an underground line because the One Call results were clear, stating: "FortisBC’s package included a map that clearly showed a flame icon on the address at which Finest was working. The map had a red circle around the address and contained a legend showing a flame icon meant “Live Gas Service Present.” FortisBC’s package also included a hand-drawn sketch of the Dawson St. address, showing a line running from Dawson St. onto the individual property. So, I find the evidence shows the gas lines were connected and active and that Finest knew, or ought to have known, about their presence. Accordingly, Finest’s damage to the gas line was reasonably foreseeable." The two cases also show another trend: hit a line, expect to face a CRT complaint! Check out the most recent case here: https://canlii.ca/t/k8xbz #ohs #safety #excavation

Did you know that summer has one of the highest rates of reported underground utility damages? Today is 8/11 Day (Aug. 11, or 8-1-1 on the calendar). Like Safe Digging Month in Canada, 811 Day in the U.S. serves as a reminder to call 811 before digging to avoid damages to underground utilities and dig safely. #811BeforeYouDig #SafeDigging #811Day

Sometimes it can be hard to visualize what's going on beneath the surface, so hopefully this image can give you an example. The multicolored lines in this image show the sheer number of underground utilities buried within a single block of a midwestern suburb. In this location there is one storm drain and FOUR refined petroleum product pipelines, not to mention a railroad with two sets of tracks and an overpass. In this particular instance a client wanted me to put together a preliminary design and quote for a potential pipeline relocation, and to say that such a project would be complicated is an understatement ... This is exactly why it's critical to place your #811 tickets and do your due diligence to work safely in close proximity to underground utilities located within your project area. A single misstep or shortcut could lead to disaster, not just for the contractors working onsite but for the passersby and general public who are just going about their day. Remember to Call Before You Dig and stay safe out there!

⚡️ SSEN Transmission has confirmed that temporary road restrictions in Aberdeen, to enable work to replace an underground electricity cable, will apply from Monday 20 January – not Sunday 12 January as originally planned.   The transmission operator’s Redmoss to Clayhills Underground Cable Replacement project will see the replacement of the existing double 132kV circuits operating between Redmoss substation in Langdykes Road, and Clayhills substation in South College Street, over a distance of 5km.    💡In total, 10km of cable will be replaced to ensure a secure, reliable power supply for the city.   👨🔧 This will begin on Monday 20 January when lane restrictions will be in place on Wellington Road to allow enabling work to take place. The work was originally planned to begin Sunday 12 January but has been delayed due to adverse weather conditions.    SSEN Transmission can confirm that no work is planned on South College Street.    ➡️ Further information is available here: https://lnkd.in/ewJnnEQA

🚨 Gas Main Break in Queens Prompts School Evacuation 🚨 Earlier today, a contractor struck a gas main in Jamaica, Queens, leading to the evacuation of P.S. 95 Eastwood as a precaution. Thanks to quick action from National Grid and FDNY, the situation was safely controlled and gas service secured. 🙌 Crews are now working on repairs. This highlights how crucial communication between contractors and utilities is to avoid such incidents. Effective tools (like Utilocate) help streamline processes and keep everyone informed to reduce risks. 💡 #DamagePrevention #UtilitySafety #ExcavationSafety

It is Wednesday, so you know what that means. 😉 #Wanttoknowwednesday ❓❓❓ When are Joint Seals an optimal trenchless solution? Internal pipe joint seals are a proven solution for pipe joint repairs, pressure pipe repairs, and joint infiltration in drinking water, storm drain sewer, gas pipelines, storage pipelines, distribution pipelines, and power generation pipelines. #trenchless #trenchlesstechnology #jointseals #pipereline #relineit #allthingspipereline #jointrepairs

My heart goes out to the people of LaPorte, TX, where initial stories suggest another gas pipeline breach has caused chaos and damage. We urgently need prayers for their safety and well-being. As of now, there's no word on any injuries or fatalities. Once an evaluation is completed, we hope to know the causes of such undesirable events and correct them to prevent recurrence. "Accidents" like these can be minimized with a proper focus on high-reliability operations and organization. Link: https://lnkd.in/gzdZ_YFw

In the dynamic world of oil and gas, protecting your critical equipment is extremely necessary. But do you know what to look for in an oil and gas shelter? Durability, corrosion resistance, and customizability are just the tip of the iceberg. At Tracom FRP, we delve deep into these essential features and more in our latest blog. Equip your operations with shelters designed to withstand the harshest environments, ensuring durability and reliability. Discover the key factors that make a difference in your infrastructure. https://bit.ly/3QVzZDf

I cannot stress enough the importance of obtaining your One Call from BC 1 Call ticket before any work begins. This simple step can prevent countless incidents and ensure the safety of your team and the surrounding environment. If you or your teams need support and education in ground disturbance, look no further! We are here to help. Let us know how we can assist you in equipping your team with the knowledge and resources they need to carry out their work safely and efficiently. Remember, a proactive approach to ground disturbance is key to preventing accidents and maintaining a secure work environment. Don't hesitate to reach out and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and those around you. #GroundDisturbance #SafetyFirst #ProactiveApproach

Not only is knowing the precise location of buried utilities critical—understanding their condition can make all the difference. In this case, a corroded gas pipe gave way, impacting a nearby waterline during repairs. Thankfully, no injuries occurred, but this event highlights the importance of utility mapping and condition monitoring to prevent accidents and disruptions. With ProStar’s PointMan®, utilities like gas lines are digitally mapped and recorded, enhancing buried asset management. This precise data enables teams to assess both location and condition before starting repairs, helping to keep everyone safe. Stay safe by keeping buried utilities and infrastructure fully mapped and visible. https://lnkd.in/g9Cmfbrz