PHMSA Warns Pipeline Operators: Dig Safely This Month and Always
Published Date: 4/21/2026
Notice
Summary
PHMSA is reminding pipeline owners and operators to be extra careful during National Safe Digging Month and beyond to prevent digging accidents that can cause serious injuries, deaths, and costly damage. They’re urging everyone to follow best practices, communicate well, and locate pipelines accurately to keep people safe and energy flowing smoothly. This advisory kicks off in April and highlights the big impact excavation damage has on safety and the economy.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Operators Urged to Adopt CGA Best Practices
If you own or operate gas or hazardous liquid pipelines, PHMSA's Advisory Bulletin ADB-2026-05 (issued April 21, 2026) urges you to adopt Common Ground Alliance best practices, especially Practice 4-11 (Accuracy of Locating) and Practice 5-23 (Rapid Response to Strikes). The bulletin also recommends enhanced locator training, audits, white-lining, pre-construction meetings, public outreach, and post–near-miss inspections to reduce excavation damage.
Contractors Must Follow 811, White-Lining Advice
Excavators and contractors are urged to call 811, white-line dig areas, and use non-destructive methods (like hand digging or vacuum excavation) within the tolerance zone. The bulletin points to a 2025 incident where a contractor who did not request a line locate struck an interstate pipeline and caused a crude oil release of 2,363 barrels, and it notes one State in CY 2024 had more than 2,000 damages when no 811 call was legally required above 16 inches.
Locator Training and Accuracy Emphasized
PHMSA highlights locating and records issues as major causes of damage and advises owners/operators to enhance locator training and oversight and to audit locator performance, particularly in high-growth areas. The bulletin cites 20,305 damages attributed to locating issues in the 2025 data and an overall rate of 2.39 damages per thousand tickets.
Public Awareness to Protect Homeowners and Residents
PHMSA urges stronger public awareness (811 outreach) because shallow pipelines and common residential or agricultural activities can increase strike risk. The bulletin notes shallow pipelines and routine activities (like agricultural tilling and residential work) pose extra risk and recommends outreach during National Safe Digging Month in April to reduce injuries and property damage.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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