It’s your land, we just want to help you work safely. Learn about which farming activities can be done without a crossing agreement, and how you can help keep your land, community and the pipeline safe.
Farming is the lifeblood of our communities. When working with landowners, we don’t want to impede your operations; we just want to keep families and communities safe, and that safety is a shared responsibility.
Most normal agricultural activities are permitted on the pipeline right-of-way, but some activities still require written consent to ensure the safety of everyone involved, either due to the depth of the activity, or the weight of the equipment involved.
Standard farming activities no deeper than 18 inches (45 cm) can be completed without written consent from South Bow.
Farm vehicles and equipment can cross the pipeline right-of-way without written consent from South Bow if they are being used to perform an agricultural activity like growing crops or raising livestock and their loaded axle weight and tire pressure are within the manufacturer’s approved limits and operating guidelines.
Reach out to our Crossings team at crossings@southbow.com, or check out our Crossings page for more information or to apply for a crossing agreement.
You may also be able to secure a crossing agreement that allows you to conduct some activities near the pipeline without a one-call. Ask us how!
Did you know that in most provinces and states, it is a legal requirement to contact your local One-Call service before digging or excavation?
South Bow is obligated to report unauthorized activity to the regulators, who may investigate and determine potential fines or penalties.
Consequences of unsafe digging may include:
Although a pipeline leak is rare, it is important to know how to recognize the signs. Use your senses of smell, sight and hearing to detect a potential pipeline leak.
If you witness any of the signs listed above, or any other unusual sights, sounds or smells near a pipeline location, follow these steps immediately:
I know where the pipeline is, do I still need to make a One-Call?
You can never be sure where underground utilities are unless they have been marked by a professional. Utilities can shift from erosion or natural forces or additional utilities may exist in the right-of-way or nearby. Using the free One-Call service allows you to conduct your work safely.
How do I contact my local One-Call service?
Luckily there are resources to help you reach your local service easily. In Canada, you can visit www.ClickBeforeYouDig.com to find your local One-Call service, as well as other useful safe-digging rules and regulations in your province. In the U.S. you can dial 811 or visit www.call811.com to get in touch with your state’s provider.
When do I need to make a One-Call?
You need to make a locate request anytime you are disturbing the ground (with the exception of some pre-approved agricultural activities). This includes digging, piling material, paving or even driving equipment over a right-of-way. Any action that could impact something below the surface counts as ground disturbance.
What is a crossing agreement?
A crossing agreement is an agreement between you and the pipeline operator that allows you to conduct your work safely with the permission and understanding of the pipeline operator. Any changes to your work need to also be approved to ensure your safety.
How do I know if I need a crossing agreement?
If you plan to do any work directly on a right-of-way or access the right-of-way while conducting your work, there’s a good chance you need a crossing agreement. To find out for sure, you can either make a One-Call and wait for the pipeline operator to contact you, or you can contact the us directly through our crossings team at crossings@southbow.com.
What is the “right-of-way” or “prescribed area”?
The prescribed area is the term used in Canada for the right-of-way and describes the area that extends 30 metres on either side of the pipeline centerline. Ground disturbance within this area requires written consent. In the US, the size of the right-of-way can vary, but typically cover an area 50 feet wide where digging and other activities are restricted. Call 811 or visit call811.com to make certain and avoid costly mistakes.
