Dig Safely! Feds Warn Pipelines Hate Surprise Excavations
Published Date: 4/21/2026
Notice
Summary
PHMSA is reminding pipeline owners and operators to be extra careful during National Safe Digging Month in April and beyond to prevent costly and dangerous pipeline damage caused by digging. They’re urging everyone to follow best practices, communicate well, and locate pipelines accurately to keep people safe and avoid big repair bills. This advisory affects all gas and hazardous liquid pipeline operators and highlights ongoing safety efforts with no new costs but a strong push for vigilance.
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Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Operators Urged to Adopt CGA Practices
PHMSA tells all owners and operators of gas and hazardous liquid pipelines to adopt Common Ground Alliance (CGA) Best Practices, specifically Practice 4-11 (Accuracy of Locating) and Practice 5-23 (Rapid Response to Strikes), and to enhance locator training, oversight, audits, patrols, and post‑strike integrity checks to prevent excavation damage.
Excavators, Contractors, and Homeowners: Follow 811 and Safe Digging
PHMSA encourages excavators, contractors, and residents to use 811 "Before You Dig", white‑line proposed dig areas, use non‑destructive methods (hand digging or vacuum potholing) within tolerance zones, and hold pre‑construction meetings to avoid strikes; the bulletin cites 85,606 excavation damages to gas distribution facilities in 2025 and notes a 2025 crude oil release of 2,363 barrels tied to a contractor who did not request a locate.
Advisory Only — No New Legal Requirements
PHMSA states this advisory bulletin does not have the force and effect of law and is not meant to bind owners, operators, or the public, so it does not create new legal obligations or compliance costs.
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