Ground Disturbance

for Supervisors

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GROUND DISTURBANCE FOR
SUPERVISORS

This course provides information that will help you understand, plan, and implement many types of
ground disturbance. This course is divided into the following six modules.

Module 1 Definitions

Module 2 Regulations and Responsibilities

Module 3 Approvals, Permits, and Agreements

Module 4 Ground Disturbance Planning

Module 5 Stages of Ground Disturbance

Module 6 Underground Facility Contact

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Module 1 Definitions
By the end of this module, you should be able to:

Define ground disturbance

Define common words and terms related to ground disturbance

CHAPTER 1: GROUND DISTURBANCE DEFINED

There are many activities that disturb the ground and have the potential to contact a buried facility.
To know whether or not a work activity qualifies as a ground disturbance subject to legislation, one
must fully understand how ground disturbance is defined.

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CHAPTER 2: GROUND DISTURBANCE TERMS

Understanding words and terms relevant to ground disturbance is important for interpreting the
applicable acts, regulations, and codes. The following are terms commonly used in relation to ground
disturbance.

Buried Facility

A buried facility is defined as anything below ground used in the collection, storage, transmission, or
distribution of water, storm water, or sewage; electronic, telephonic, or telegraphic
communications; cable television; electrical energy; oil, natural gas, steam, petroleum products,
chemicals, and other substances; and includes, but is not limited to, pipes, conduits, ducts, cables,
wires, manholes, catch basins, and attachments to these items.
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Project Owner

In the Alberta OH&S Act, owner in respect of a work site means the person in legal possession of
the work site. If the person in legal possession does not request the work, the project owner is the
person with an ownership interest in the work site who requests that the work be done. Usually, the
person who is paying for the project is deemed to be the owner.

Buried Facility Owner

A buried facility owner is the physical or registered owner of the buried facility. This can include
owners, inspectors, and supervisors.

Controlled Area

A controlled area is an area of land 30 metres or 100 feet wide on each side of a provincially
regulated pipeline. Note that the pipeline operator must be notified of any intent to disturb the
ground within a controlled area.

Ground Disturber

A ground disturber is the person or company proposing to undertake a ground disturbance. This can
include contractors, workers, buried facility owners, landowners, and private individuals.

Ground Disturbance Supervisor

A ground disturbance supervisor may be an employee, a consultant, or a contractor of a company

who has been deemed by the company to have sufficient knowledge and experience to competently
serve as the ground disturbance supervisor for a ground disturbance activity.

Hand Exposure

Buried facilities must be hand exposed before mechanical excavation equipment is used. Hand
exposure means the exposure of a buried facility using non-destructive excavation techniques
acceptable to the owner of the buried facility.

Hand Expose Zone

The hand expose zone for a buried facility is the distance from the locate marks within which
mechanical excavation equipment may not be used until a buried facility has been hand exposed.

One-Call Centre

A one-call centre is an organization that maintains accurate mapping data files of many buried
facilities through partnerships with buried facility owners including utility companies, municipalities,
and individuals. Its purpose is to prevent damage to buried facilities, equipment, and the
environment as well as injury to people. Upon contacting a one-call centre, excavators will be
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advised of known facilities within the proposed dig zone. It is important to realize that not all
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facilities are registered with one-call centres; therefore, hand exposure must be used as there may
be lines that have not been identified.

Pipeline

According to the Alberta Pipeline Act and Rules, a pipeline means a pipe used to convey a substance
or combination of substances, including installations associated with the pipe, but does not include:

A pipe used to convey water other than water used in connection with
A facility, scheme, or other matter authorized under the Oil and Gas Conservation
Act or the Oils Sands Conservation Act, or
A coal processing plant or other matter authorized under the Coal Conservation
Act
A pipe used to convey gas, if the pipe is operated at a maximum pressure of 700 kPa or
less, and is not used to convey gas in connection with a facility, scheme, or other matter
authorized under the Oil and Gas Conservation Act or the Oils Sands Conservation Act, or
A pipe used to convey sewage

Point of Crossing

A point of crossing is the area where two or more pipelines cross each other. There can be no
physical contact between the pipelines and the amount of space required above or below each line is
determined in the crossing agreement.

Probing

Probing is the use of a tool to find a known facility. Common probes include a wooden dowel or
metal rod with either a hard rubber or blunt end. Caution must be used during probing to prevent
damage to facility coatings.

Right of Way

Under the Alberta Pipeline Act and Rules, a right of way is the route and location a pipeline has been
approved to travel from point of origin to termination. No work can proceed outside this area
without additional approvals or permits.

Safety Zone

As stated by the National Energy Board, NEB, a safety zone is the area within 30 metres or 100 feet of
the right of way of a federally regulated pipeline. The pipeline company must be notified before any
excavation is started in this area using power-operated equipment or explosives.

It is important to know if you are operating under federal or provincial regulations and, therefore,
whether a safety zone or a controlled area is applicable. This difference, though it may be small, can
be significant.
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Search Area

A search area is the area that extends 30 metres beyond a proposed ground disturbance site. The
search area, in addition to the proposed ground disturbance site, must both be examined to
determine whether or not a pipeline exists beneath them, as per the Alberta Pipeline Act and Rules. If
during the course of a ground disturbance the limits of the ground disturbance increase, the search
area must also expand to match that increase in order to maintain 30 metres of undisturbed area
around the ground disturbance site. For buried facilities that are not governed by the Alberta Pipeline
Act and Rules, such as municipalities, there are no specific search area requirements, but the prudent
ground disturber would request locates for an area larger than the limits of the proposed ground
disturbance.

Visible Indicator

A visible indicator is defined as any visible indication that another party has created a ground
disturbance in an area. Vegetation changes, scarring of the land, vehicle tracks, soil changes,
buildings, above ground facilities, an abundance or lack of weeds, depressions in the land, and cut
lines through trees are all visible indicators that ground disturbance has occurred.

Written Approval

A written approval is a document provided to a ground disturber by the owner of a buried facility. It
is a document that establishes the rules under which the ground disturbance will take place. A
written approval prior to a ground disturbance is required any time a ground disturbance is
proposed:

Within a pipeline right of way or within 5 metres of a pipeline that is not in a right of way
Within the right of way of any other type of buried facility where that right of way is in
favour of the owner of the facility
Within a highway right of way, and
A municipal road allowance or utility right of way

Written approvals may take many forms depending on the industry and the owner of the buried
facility. Municipalities may use a ground disturbance permit process in conjunction with a right of
way agreement.

The words that have just been defined represent some of the key ground disturbance related terms
that you should be familiar with. Additional terms that are used in relation to ground disturbance can
be found in Appendix A. 6
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Module 2 Regulations and Responsibilities
By the end of this module, you should be able to:

Describe regulations that apply to ground disturbance

Explain the penalties for contravention of regulations
List the responsibilities of each party involved in a ground disturbance

CHAPTER 1: REGULATIONS
There are many regulations that govern ground disturbance activities.

National Energy Board Regulations

The National Energy Board, also known as the NEB, regulates natural gas, oil, and commodity
pipelines that extend beyond the limits of a province. An awareness of how NEB regulations affect
ground disturbance is important in maintaining compliance with these regulations. The NEB is
concerned about ensuring the safety of the pipelines under its jurisdiction. Parts I and II of the NEB
Pipeline Crossing regulations help in this regard.

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The following activities require permission from the pipeline company before proceeding:

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Once a pipeline company has provided authorization for a ground disturbance, there are four steps
that a ground disturber must follow to comply with NEB regulations.

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Alberta Occupational Health and Safety

Alberta Occupational Health and Safety is a branch of the Jobs, Skills, Training, and Labour ministry
of the Alberta government. It focuses on the prevention of workplace injuries and illnesses and the
promotion of worker health and safety through partnerships, resources, and education. It enforces
the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulation, and Code, which state minimum
requirements for safe work practices. The primary purpose of the Act, Regulation, and Code is
worker safety as it applies to workers, employers, contractors, and suppliers. Home owners and
most agricultural activities are exempt.

Alberta Pipeline Act and Rules

The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) was created by the Alberta Responsible Energy Development
Act and administers the Alberta Pipeline Act and Rules. It operates at arms length from the
Government of Alberta to ensure compliance with the Alberta Pipeline Act and Rules and to regulate
ground disturbance within 30 metres of a pipeline. The primary focus of the Act and Rules is
protection of facilities. Its secondary focus is worker and public safety. The Act and Rules apply to
Alberta Energy Regulator licensees, ground disturbers, and geophysical explorers, and there are no
exceptions to the Act and Rules. Several sections of the Act and Rules apply to ground disturbance
activities. You will now be presented with excerpts from those sections. Use the space provided
below to take notes, as there will be questions following these excerpts:

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Other Legislation

An awareness of all applicable regulations affecting ground disturbance is important in maintaining

compliance with those regulations.

Penalties for Contravention of the Regulations

Both corporations and individuals can be subject to penalties and fines if found in contravention of
ground disturbance regulations.

Bill C45

Bill C45, tabled in the House of Commons on June 12, 2003 and now Section 217 of the Criminal Code
of Canada, amended the Criminal Code to:

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The bill clarifies the definition of the criminal liability of corporations.

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Civil Action

A ground disturber must also be aware of the possibility of civil action resulting from contact and
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damage to a buried facility.

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Corporate Action

Corporations that are involved in ground disturbance usually have corporate policies, codes of
practice, and work procedures that state how a ground disturbance is to be conducted. Failure to
follow these directions may result in disciplinary actions against the worker or workers found
responsible.

Alberta Pipeline Act and Rules

Under Part Five of the Alberta Pipeline Act and Rules, the Alberta Energy Regulator, or AER, has the
power to suspend or shut down the construction or operation of a pipeline, or the ground
disturbance if the work activity is in contravention of the Act.

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National Energy Board Offense and Punishment

How the NEB deals with contravention of the National Energy Board Act can be found in Part III
Construction and Operation of Pipelines, Section 51.4 (1).

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Other jurisdictions have similar fines. The Saskatchewan Pipelines Act, 1998, Part V, section 28 states:

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CHAPTER 2: RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities of all parties involved in an oil and gas industry ground disturbance are clearly
identified in the Alberta Common Ground Alliance or ABCGAs "Damage Prevention Process in
Alberta" document and in the 2009 version of IRP 17.

Project Owner Responsibilities

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Supervisor Responsibilities

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Ground Disturber Responsibilities

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Buried Facility Owner Responsibilities

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Onsite Supervision

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Landowner Responsibilities

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Module 3: Approvals, Permits, and
Agreements
By the end of this module, you should be able to:

Describe approvals common to ground disturbance

Describe various types of ground disturbance permits
Explain commonly used ground disturbance agreements
Describe circumstances that may impact the ground disturbance permits and
agreements required

CHAPTER 1: GROUND DISTURBANCE APPROVALS

For many ground disturbances, many agencies may need to be contacted to obtain an approval prior
to any work proceeding. Contact with these authorities, and any responses from them indicating
their permission, agreement, or license requirements, should be done in writing.

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CHAPTER 2: GROUND DISTURBANCE PERMITS

Permits are used for controlling and coordinating work to establish and maintain safe working
conditions. They ensure that all foreseeable hazards have been considered and that the appropriate
precautions are defined and carried out in the correct sequence. There are a number of different
types of permits that may be required before ground disturbance work can begin.

Safe Work Permits

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Two common types of safe work permits are:

Hot work permits

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Cold work permits

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Confined Space Entry Permits

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The Ground Disturbance Permit or Checklist

A ground disturbance permit, also called a ground disturbance checklist, is used by a company as
part of their due diligence process. It is a tool that a worker in charge of a ground disturbance uses to
make sure that nothing has been overlooked.

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There are four key areas covered in a ground disturbance permit or checklist.

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CHAPTER 3: GROUND DISTURBANCE AGREEMENTS
There are many types of agreements that may be entered into prior to the commencement of a
ground disturbance.

Right of Way Purchase Agreement

A right of way purchase agreement is used to set out the terms and conditions of the purchase of a
pipeline right of way from a landowner.

Facility Crossing Agreements

A facility crossing agreement is a document that outlines the terms and conditions upon which a
facility crossing can take place.

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A link to the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers facility crossing agreement is included in
Appendix B.

Pipeline Road Crossing Agreement

Municipalities have the authority, responsibility, and obligation to manage public road allowances
and right of ways and have management tools such as policies, bylaws, development agreements,
subdivision agreements, and right of way access agreements available for that purpose.

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CHAPTER 4: GROUND DISTURBANCE CIRCUMSTANCES

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The circumstances of the ground disturbance work to be undertaken can have an impact on the
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permits and agreements required. Two particular circumstances that impact permits and agreements
include the type of land ownership involved as well as the proximity of the ground disturbance to
water.

Land Ownership

There are two main types of land ownership, each with their own requirements for permits and
agreements: private land and Crown land.

Private land is land owned by an individual or corporation.

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Before performing any type of ground disturbance work on private land, you must attain an
agreement in writing from the landowner and, possibly, the lease holder.

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Crown Land

Crown land is land owned by the government, or Crown, on behalf of the province.

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Water

The proximity of a proposed ground disturbance to a body of water can impact the approvals
required to begin work. In particular, ground disturbers must recognize when they are crossing or
approaching a watercourse or a water body as provincial department approvals may be required.
The course of action that must be followed when crossing or approaching a watercourse or water
body will depend on the nature of the project.

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Module 4: Ground Disturbance Planning
By the end of this module, you should be able to:

Describe soil types, cutbacks, and sloping according to Alberta and Saskatchewan
regulations
Explain the reclamation process
List techniques that can be used to minimize environmental impacts

CHAPTER 1: SOIL TYPES

Alberta Soil Types

A ground disturber in Alberta needs to know and understand the properties of the three soil types
defined by Alberta Occupational Health and Safety. Each soil type has different properties and
therefore requires different excavation techniques. The classifications can be found in the Alberta
OH&S Code, Part 32, Excavating and Tunnelling.

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Cut backs and Sloping of Alberta Soils

Each type of soil in Alberta has legislated excavation requirements.

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Saskatchewan Soil Types

A ground disturber in Saskatchewan needs to know and understand the properties of the four
different soil types identified by Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety. Each soil type has
different properties and therefore requires different excavation techniques.

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Cut backs and sloping of Saskatchewan soils

According to Part 27 of the Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety code, where a wall of an
excavation or trench is cutback, an employer or contractor shall ensure that:

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CHAPTER 2: RECLAMATION
Reclamation is not a simple process. It usually means that before any excavation begins, all of the
topsoil on which the existing vegetation cover is established must be removed. When the project is
complete, the same topsoil must be replaced on a landscaped surface that will support vegetation
growth similar to the growth that was cleared. Care must be taken to prevent overburden and
topsoil layers from mixing when they are replaced.

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CHAPTER 3: TECHNIQUES FOR MINIMIZING GROUND DISTURBANCE

IMPACTS
It is important to plan ground disturbance projects in such a way as to minimize the negative effects
on the environment.

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Module 5: Stages of Ground Disturbance
By the end of this module, you should be able to:

Describe techniques for locating existing underground facilities

Describe procedures for marking underground facilities
Explain the exposure process for underground facilities
Describe backfill responsibilities

CHAPTER 1: LOCATING UNDERGROUND FACILITIES

Prior to beginning any ground disturbance work, the ground disturber must locate any buried
facilities that exist in the intended work area and identify them to the landowner. There are a
number of resources that can be used to identify the possible locations of buried facilities.

Regulatory Agencies

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Alberta One-Call

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Facility Markers

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Visible Indicators

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Land Title Deeds

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A Discussion with the Landowner

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Municipal Authorities

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Local Utilities

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Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resources Development (ESRD) Water Services

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A Line Locator Sweep or Search

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Operations or Area Personnel

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Company Land Departments

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Survey, Plot Plans, and Other Maps and References

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Private Mapping Companies

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Locating Buried Facilities

Industry recommended practices dictate that once the ground disturber has gathered as much data
as possible on the locations of known facilities, including the line location, alignment, and size, this
information must be positively verified by locating and exposing the facilities.

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When both a transmitter and receiver are required, the process is referred to as active locating.
There are three methods of active locating:

1. The direct hookup method: the output signal from a transmitter is connected directly to an
access point on the target underground facility, creating an electromagnetic field around the
target facility, which is then picked up through the earth by the receiver.
2. The inductive clamp method: the output from the signal transmitter is applied to a target
underground facility by clamping a split magnetic core around it. The output signal
magnetizes the core, inducing an electromagnetic field onto the target facility, which is then
picked up through the earth by the receiver.
3. The inductive method: this method uses the antenna in a signal transmitter fed with
alternating current voltage to emit electromagnetic energy, which induces an
electromagnetic field on conductive underground facilities. This electromagnetic field is then
picked up through the earth by a receiving antenna in the receiver.

Factors that Affect Locating

There are several factors that affect locating.

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Locating Responsibilities

We are all responsible for locating buried facilities before performing any ground disturbance,
whether it is to take place on public or private land. The Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act -
General Safety Regulations, the Alberta Electrical and Communication Utility Code, the Alberta Pipeline
Act and Rules, and the National Energy Board Pipeline Crossing Regulations, Parts I and II, all require
that the locations of all buried facilities be marked before a ground disturbance begins.

If a buried facility might be affected by activities that disturb the ground, then the employer must
advise the owner of the buried facility of the proposed activities, and request that the buried facility
be identified and its location marked. Ground disturbance work cannot begin until the owner or the
owner's designate has been advised and all buried facilities have been located and marked.

Making arrangements to have locates done must be part of the job planning process. To request
locates, contact Alberta One-Call online at www.albertaonecall.com or by phone at 1-800-242-3447 at
least two and no more than ten full working days before you plan to disturb the ground.

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There may be other buried facilities in the area whose owners are not registered with Alberta One-
Call. It is up to the caller to find out who they are and to request locates from them directly. The
buried facility owners must be advised of the proposed ground disturbance and requested to locate
and mark any of their facilities that may be in conflict with the proposed ground disturbance.

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It is your responsibility as a ground disturber to ensure that all facility owners have responded to
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It is also your responsibility to be aware of the notification requirements for the jurisdiction you are
working in.

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Buried facility owners also have responsibilities related to locates.

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Facility owners who have buried facilities in the area of the proposed ground disturbance should
advise the ground disturber that there is no conflict if:

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If a jurisdiction does not have supportive legislation, the best practice is to provide any assistance the
ground disturber may require to undertake the ground disturbance safely and without damaging
buried facilities.

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Lifespan of Locates

It is important for ground disturbers to realize that locates are only valid for a certain period of time.
The lifespan of locates is described in the Alberta Common Ground Alliance Resources under the
heading The Damage Prevention Process in Alberta.

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Modifying Locate Requests

Sometimes conditions change on a work site after a ground disturber has requested locates.
Procedures have been established to accommodate these changes in a cooperative manner.

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Emergency Locate Requests

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Priority Locate Requests

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CHAPTER 2: MARKING UNDERGROUND FACILITIES
International Colour Code for Marking Buried Facilities

All known facilities within a ground disturbance control area and the right of way must be noted on a
plot plan, drawing, or map. Temporary flagging will mark the locations of buried facilities. Coloured
flags are based on the international colour code that was developed by the American Public Works
Association.

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Marking the Job Site

The ground disturber is encouraged to mark the pipeline route or excavation area with white flags,
stakes, or paint prior to excavation. This best management practice, referred to as white lining,
helps to provide locators and project personnel with an accurate understanding of the proposed
construction area. Pre-marking allows the ground disturber to communicate accurately to facility
owners and operators and their locators where the excavation is to occur. This practice has proven
to increase locator efficiency and to reduce contacts with buried facilities. In winter conditions, black
rather than white markers may be used.

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Marking Responsibilities of the Locator and Buried Facility Owner

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Markings are site specific. When the owner of a buried facility identifies and marks the locations of
their buried facility, they must document the locate performed. They must also provide the ground
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disturber with a copy of the locate documentation, and retain a copy of the locate documentation
for at least two years. This documentation is commonly referred to as a locate plot plan or a locate
slip.

Congested Lines

In the case of congested lines, where multiple lines of a similar product, for example, three gas lines,
cross each otherthe flag configuration will consist of two colours. The top tape or paint colour will
indicate the underground facility, for example, yellow for gas. The second tape or paint colour would
be different from the top tape for each separate line, but would be the same for the entire line. Note
the second colour is only to indicate line direction not facility description.

In the case of an extremely congested line, the locator may find it necessary to use flagging or
colours that vary from the international colour coding system. This variation should be clearly noted
on the locate document, and the owner, ground disturbance supervisor, and locator should
communicate effectively together regarding the uniqueness of the situation.

CHAPTER 3: EXPOSING UNDERGROUND FACILITIES

Hand exposure is the physical exposure of buried facilities using non-destructive excavation
techniques acceptable to the owner or operator of the buried facility. There are three acceptable
methods of non-destructive hand exposure.

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Normally, the hand exposure process would begin at or near the location marks and work down and
outwards into the hand expose zone until a buried facility is found.

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Mechanical Excavation Equipment Limits of Approach

The other distance you must know when working in proximity to a buried facility is how close you
can get with your excavation equipment once the facility has been hand exposed.

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Special Circumstances for Hand Exposure

Both the Alberta Pipeline Rules and the IRP 17 state that if a ground disturbance is parallel to and
within the hand expose zone of a pipeline, the pipeline may be exposed at intervals along the
pipeline. The distance between the exposures will be set by the operator or owner of the pipeline
and should be written in the proximity agreement.

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CHAPTER 4: BACKFILLING UNDERGROUND FACILITIES

Backfilling is the process by which the cover that was removed from over top of buried facilities is
put back in place. The backfill process has specific responsibilities that all parties involved in a ground
disturbance need to be aware of.

The Backfill Inspection

A backfill inspection is the process that follows exposure of a buried facility.

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Backfill Responsibilities

As outlined in provincial and federal regulations, a ground disturber who exposes any part of a
pipeline must notify the owner a minimum of 24 hours prior to backfilling the facility.

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Module 6 Underground Facility Contact
By the end of this module, you should be able to:

Describe historical damage to underground facilities

Identify common causes of contact with underground facilities
List potential consequences of contacting underground facilities
Explain strategies for preventing contact
Describe how to prepare for a contact
Describe what constitutes contact with an underground facility, and the procedures
to follow if contact is made.

CHAPTER 1: HISTORICAL EXAMPLES OF CONTACT

The following is a real life example of the outcome of a contact made with a buried facility. On
October 20, 2006, a Canadian petroleum production company experienced a 6-inch group emulsion
line strike during pipeline installation operations. The line was unmarked. An explosion and fire
followed the rupture. Three workers were injured, suffering from inhalation, first, second, and third
degree burns. It was determined that the main causes of the line hit were: failure to conduct the 30
metre search, failure to reconcile all of the data as required by the ground disturbance guidelines and
regulations, and failure to follow all ground disturbance guidelines, procedures, and regulations. The
pipeline that was hit had not been identified during locates and was interpreted to be on the far
easterly edge of the right of way as indicated by the erroneous locating and marking of the pipeline.
Had the 30 metre sweep been conducted, this event would not have happened.

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____________________________________________________________________________________

An understanding of historical damage to buried facilities helps you understand the likelihood of a
contact if procedures are not followed.

CHAPTER 2: CAUSES OF CONTACT

Even though there are ground disturbance obligations and regulations, as well as severe
consequences when buried facilities are damaged, damages to buried facilities continue to occur.
Understanding common reasons why contacts occur when performing a ground disturbance activity
will help you avoid these types of contacts at your worksite.
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Common reasons why contact is made with buried facilities:

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These factors, on their own or in combination, often result in the following situations:

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CHAPTER 3: CONSEQUENCES OF CONTACT

Contacting an existing buried facility is a potential hazard of ground disturbance and could result in a
number of consequences.

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____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

It is important to realize that even minor nicks and gouges on pipelines and other buried facilities are
serious. Corrosion can occur rapidly and cause leaks, interruption of utility and communications
services, and even emergency situations. Negligence, sloppy workmanship, lack of awareness, poor
planning, or thoughtlessness may result in severe penalties to those responsible.

CHAPTER 4: PREVENTING CONTACT

The Damage Prevention Process

The damage prevention process in ground disturbance is a collaborative effort between the
stakeholders involved who are mutually dependent upon the successful completion of one another's
role.

Both the digging community and the owners of buried facilities have a responsibility to act in a
prudent manner to protect workers, the public, the environment, and the integrity of societys
31

essential services. The damage prevention process also accommodates both regulatory situations
Page

(for example, meeting digging requirements set out in the Alberta Pipeline Act and Rules) and non-
regulatory situations, like adhering to mechanical approach distances set by a buried facility owner.
Avoiding contact with buried facilities can be achieved by accepting the res
responsibilities
ponsibilities that come
with ground disturbance.

Members of the digging community must recognize, accept, and fulfill their responsibilities,
responsibilities which
include:

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_____________________________________________________________________
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____________________________________________________________________________________

The owners of buried

ed facilities should be proactive in damage prevention activities and must
recognize, accept, and fulfill their responsibilities
responsibilities, which include:

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_________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

This graphic illustrates the interrelationship

nterrelationship of the stakeholders involved in a ground disturbance.
The process depends on the exchange of accurate and timely information along with a genuine
interest by all parties for a successful and damage-free ground disturbance.

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____________________________________________________________________________________
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In Alberta, the Alberta Common Ground Alliance (ABCGA) helps foster and improve the buried
facilities damage prevention process in the province. Council members include representatives from
local damage prevention committees, stakeholder industry associations, facility owners and
operators, contract locators, regulatory agencies, training organizations, and Alberta One-Call.

The ABCGA has several objectives, the most prominent being "to sponsor, promote, and participate
in educational and training programs related to the prevention of damage to utilities.

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____________________________________________________________________________________

Other key ABCGA objectives include:

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Contact Prevention Best Practices

The key to the damage prevention process is membership in one-call centres by buried facility
operators in each area in which their buried facilities are located.

There are several other best practices that, when followed, ensure an effective damage prevention
process for buried facilities.

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Ground Disturbance, Codes of Practice, Policies, and Procedures

A company can demonstrate its commitment to ground disturbance damage prevention by:
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1) Establishing a corporate policy for ground disturbance

Page

2) Developing a ground disturbance code of practice

 3) Implementing the safe work procedures outlined in the code of practice

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Company Code of Practice

A company code of practice is a document comprised of policies and procedures specific to their
organization. A company ground disturbance code of practice has the most impact on supervisors
and workers. Every company recognizes the hazards associated with ground disturbance on or near
their facilities.

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____________________________________________________________________________________

Hazard Assessment, Elimination, and Control

In addition to implementing a damage prevention process, utilizing best practices, and developing
company ground disturbance policies, codes, and procedures, the assessment, elimination, and
control of hazards can help prevent contact with buried facilities.

Provincial OH & S Codes require employers to assess a work site and identify existing or potential
work site hazards before work begins. An employer must also prepare a report of the results of the
hazard assessment and the methods used to control or eliminate the hazards identified. In addition
to a job hazard analysis or field level risk assessment, most employers meet this legislated
requirement through the use of a ground disturbance checklist and a safe work permit.

The Alberta OH & S Code goes on to state that employers are required to eliminate or control any
hazard identified using:

- Engineering controls
- Administrative controls
- Personal protective equipment, or
- A combination of all three methods
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CHAPTER 5: PREPARING FOR CONTACT
The Emergency Response Plan

An Emergency Response Plan (also known as an ERP) is defined in IRP 17 as a plan that prepares for
all emergencies and details the appropriate response to each type of incident.

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____________________________________________________________________________________

The employer must consult with his workers when establishing an emergency response plan and it
must be kept current.

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In addition to the items required by the Alberta OH&S Code, it is recommended by industry
stakeholders that an emergency response plan include contact information for the owner of the
buried facility as well as the appropriate regulatory agency.

CHAPTER 6: CONTACTING AN UNDERGROUND FACILITY

Regulations clearly state that ground disturbance activities must be stopped immediately when
contact is made with a buried facility during a ground disturbance.

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Contact and subsequent damage to an underground facility involve major risks that could result in
equipment damage, production loss, environmental consequences, corporate image loss, or even
injury and death.

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____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

In the event of contact with a buried facility, best management practices encourage the following
actions:

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Appendix A Ground Disturbance Terms
Approval

When creating a ground disturbance within the safety zone of a pipeline, the approval must be in
writing. VERBAL approval is not acceptable. It is recommended that all ground disturbance
approvals are in writing, regardless of who the owner is, to ensure due diligence and legal
protection. (IRP 17.5.1)

Authorized Supervisor

Any company employee, contractor, or consultant authorized by the company who is deemed
competent by formal examination and/or certification to supervise a ground disturbance. (IRP 17.5.2)

Competent

The term 'competent' when used in relation to a worker should be interpreted to mean that the
worker is:

Adequately qualified, suitably trained, and with sufficient experience to safely perform the
work at hand, and

Familiar with the intent of applicable legislation, knowledgeable of the potential risk or
actual danger to health or safety and aware of the means to control, mitigate, or eliminate the
hazards while performing the job. A worker-in-training, when under direct and competent
supervision, is allowed to perform a task or carry out a duty during that training (IRP 17.5.4)

Competent Locator

An experienced locator who has been trained and certified by a qualified body and/or deemed
competent through practical and written evaluations to accurately locate a particular type of buried
facility with little or no supervision. (IRP 17.5.5)

Search Area

The Alberta Pipeline Act and Rules requires that anyone proposing to undertake a ground disturbance
take all precautions reasonably necessary to determine whether or not a pipeline exists within the
limits of the proposed ground disturbance and for an additional 30 metre search area surrounding
the limits of the proposed ground disturbance. If, during the course of a ground disturbance, the
limits of the ground disturbance increase, the 30 metre search area will also expand to match that
increase and maintain a 30 metre undisturbed area beyond the ground disturbance that has been
searched for the presence of pipelines. For other types of buried facilities, there are no specific
search area requirements but the prudent ground disturber would request locates for an area larger
than the limits of the proposed ground disturbance. (AR 91/2005T Section 60(1)) See diagram on next
page.
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National Energy Board (NEB) Safety Zone

This is the area within 30 metres (100 feet) of the right of way of a federally regulated pipeline. You
must notify the pipeline company before you start any excavation using power-operated equipment
or explosives in this area. (See diagram below.)

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Dig Zone

It is described in the Alberta Pipeline Act as the area in which the person proposes to undertake or
undertakes the ground disturbance. (Alberta Pipeline Act, RSA 2000, Chapter P-15, 32(1)(a)(i)(A))

Crossing Agreement

A written and executed document issued in advance of any ground disturbance to be undertaken by
a third party within a right of way or within 5 metres of a pipeline where there is no right of way. The
term crossing agreement does not necessarily imply that a pipeline or a right of way will be crossed.
(IRP 17.5.7)

Damage Notification

Any damage to a buried facility, either caused or found, regardless of severity, must be reported to
the owner of the buried facility, who shall investigate the damage, take remedial action as required,
and report the damage to appropriate regulatory agencies as required. (IRP 17.5.7)

Emergency

Is a present or imminent event, outside the scope of normal operations, that requires prompt
coordination of resources to protect the health, safety, or welfare of people or to limit damage to
property and the environment.

Emergency Response Plan

An ERP is a comprehensive plan to protect the public that includes criteria for assessing an
emergency and procedures for mobilizing response personnel and agencies, establishing
communications, and ensuring coordination of the emergency response.

Hydro-vacing

Hydro-vacing is the use of pressurized water to loosen and vacuum to extract soil. The Alberta
Pipeline Rules accept hydro-vacing as an acceptable method of exposing underground pipelines
whose locations have been marked. Owners of other types of buried facilities may allow hydro-
vacing as a method of exposing their buried facilities under certain conditions such as certification of
operators, maximum pressure, maximum temperature, or type of nozzle. Hydro-vacing in the vicinity
of buried facilities without locates constitutes a ground disturbance with mechanical excavation
equipment. (IRP 17.5.15)

Land Owner

The person in whose name a certificate of title has been issued pursuant to the Land Titles Act or, if
no certificate of title has been issued, the Crown or other body administering the land.

Notification
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Anyone proposing to undertake a ground disturbance must contact the owner of any buried facility
that could be in conflict with the proposed ground disturbance, and notify them in writing of the
Page

proposed ground disturbance, its location, purpose, scope, and schedule, and request that they
identify and mark the locations of their buried facilities that may be in conflict with the proposed
ground disturbance. This advance notification must be given at least two full working days but not
more than ten full working days prior to the commencement of the ground disturbance. The
advance notice period for federally regulated pipelines is three working days. Other advance notice
periods may be specified in the crossing agreement. One-call centres provide this notification service
on behalf of their members. (IRP 17.5.17)

Minimum Earth Cover

20(1) Unless otherwise authorized by the Regulator, and subject to subsection (3), the minimum
earth cover shall at all times be the greater of the minimum earth cover specified in CSA Z662 and, as
the case may be,:

(a) 1.4 metres (55 in.) within the right of way of a highway

(b) 1.1 metres (43 in.) within the right of way of a road, and

(c) 0.8 metres (32 in.) in any other place

(2) Unless otherwise authorized by the Regulator, the minimum earth cover set out in subsection (1)
must be maintained for all operating and discontinued pipelines.

(3) Unless otherwise specified by the Regulator, for existing pipelines at the time that these Rules
come into force, if lesser earth cover was permitted by the construction standards and regulatory
requirements in place at the time of construction, that lesser cover is acceptable. (AB Pipeline Rules,
AR 89/2013 s20;89/2013)

Project Owner

The company or individual that is responsible for a project that involves ground disturbance to
complete the project. This can include agents of owners , ground disturbance supervisors and
inspectors, buried facility owners, land owners, and private individuals.

Visible Indicators

This is defined as any visible indication that another party has created a ground disturbance in the
area, such as vegetation changes, scarring of the land , vehicle tracks, soil changes, buildings, above
ground facilities, more or less weeds , depressions in the land, cut lines through trees, etc. (IRP
17.5.23)
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Appendix B Ground Disturbance Resources
Alberta Common Ground Alliance

http://www.albertacga.ca/

Alberta Electrical Utility Code (for purchase)

http://www.qp.alberta.ca/570.cfm?frm_isbn=9780779776290&search_by=link

Alberta Exploration Regulation

http://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/Regs/2006_284.pdf

Alberta Gas Distribution Act

http://www.qp.alberta.ca/1266.cfm?page=G03.cfm&leg_type=Acts&isbncln=9780779752546

Alberta Mines and Minerals Act

http://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/acts/m17.pdf

Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Code

http://humanservices.alberta.ca/documents/WHS-LEG_ohsc_2009.pdf

Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Regulations

http://www.qp.alberta.ca/1266.cfm?page=2003_062.cfm&leg_type=Regs&isbncln=077971752X

Alberta Pipeline Rules

http://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/Regs/2005_091.pdf

Alberta Safety Codes Act

http://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/acts/s01.pdf

Alberta Surveys Act

http://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/Acts/S26.pdf

Canada Labour Code

http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/L-2/

Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers

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www.capp.ca
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CAPP Facility Crossing Agreement

http://www.canadiancga.com/Resources/Documents/CAPP%20Crossing%20Agreement.pdf

National Energy Board

http://www.neb-one.gc.ca/clf-nsi/rcmmn/hm-eng.html

Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety Regulations

http://www.qp.gov.sk.ca/documents/English/Regulations/Regulations/O1-1R1.pdf

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