Enbridge Gas reminds customers to obtain locates before starting any backyard projects

TORONTO, June 11, 2020 /CNW/ - With the arrival of warmer temperatures and many residents at home due to COVID-19, homeowners are getting outside to undertake backyard projects. 

Enbridge Gas reminds customers that to protect the safety of their families and the public, it is imperative to call Ontario One Call to obtain the location of all underground utilities like gas pipelines before starting any backyard projects that include digging like tree planting or fence and deck installations. This year, there is an additional health risk that frontline emergency responders will face in responding to emergency situations during a Pandemic. 

"No matter the size of the project, digging should only be done after you have requested locates, there is an underground network of natural gas pipelines, serving your home and community," said Michael McGivery, manager of distribution protection, Enbridge Gas. "We strongly encourage Ontario to help us do everything we can do to reduce the chances of people being injured or vital services being interrupted because someone accidently struck an underground pipeline."

This year, 24 percent of incidents in Ontario involving damage to Enbridge Gas pipelines were related to homeowners not calling before digging to obtain markers. This is 37 percent higher than last year. In addition to the risk of a public emergency and the inconvenience of utility outages, damages caused by excavators who don't call before they dig, cost utility customers, municipalities and, ultimately, taxpayers' tens of millions of dollars a year across Ontario. 

To request a locate, call 1-800-400-2255 or go to Ontario One Call at least five business days before you plan to dig. Ontario One Call will relay your locate request and information to Enbridge Gas or their designated locate service provider, as well as other participating member utilities. You will be provided with a timely, FREE locate of the underground facilities so you can complete your project safely.

To move natural gas pipes inside your home, be sure to hire a registered heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) contractor who is certified to work with natural gas.

If you suspect a natural gas leak:

• Act quickly and remain calm.
• Go outside or leave the area immediately
• Call our 24-hour Emergency Number: 1-877-969-0999.
• Never assume someone has already called

For your safety, and the safety of others, you must determine where the underground facilities are located BEFORE starting construction, landscaping or any other project.

For more information visit enbridgegas.com/Safety/Before-You-Dig. If you suspect a natural gas leak, or for any other natural gas emergency, call 1-877-969-0999.

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SOURCE Enbridge Gas Inc.

Enbridge Gas: Leanne McNaughton, Public Affairs, Ph: 519-619-0370, [email protected]