The numbers are showing a downward trend in inadvertent strikes on natural gas lines in Prince George.
In 2013, FortisBC crews were called out 21 times to repair damage caused by third-party digging, about half the total seen in 2012, and the utility is hoping the trend will continue this year as construction work around the city picks up with the start of spring.
The number of hits tends to rise and fall with the level of construction activity but a simple call to BC One Call can help buck that trend and avoid a heap of trouble.
Homeowners, builders, landscapers and others planning on putting shovel or machine to earth are urged to dial 1-800-474-6886 (or *6886 from any cell phone) at least three business days before excavation work begins.
In return, BC One Call will notify all member companies that have buried facilities in the dig area and they will provide more precise locations of the underground utilities passing through.
The next step is to mark out where the lines are located and then hand dig to carefully expose natural gas pipelines, underground electrical wires and other utilities before using mechanical equipment.
Damage to such lines can not only pose a safety hazard and cause service outages but whoever is to blame could be liable for thousands of dollars in repair costs if found to have not taken the appropriate steps.
"Whether it's a homeowner installing a backyard fence or a construction crew digging a new foundation, people need to understand where underground utilities are located before they dig," said FortisBC operations and engineering executive vice-president Doyle Sam.
"Out of sight shouldn't mean out of mind."
Ninety-nine per cent of damage to FortisBC's natural gas system is caused by third parties such as construction crews, contractors and homeowners, according to the utility.
For more information on pipeline safety and safe excavation practices, visit fortisbc.com/safety or bconecall.bc.ca. FortisBC's "Call Before You Dig" video is posted at youtu.be/SppxQqNDUZI.
