Landowners are an integral part of South Bow’s operations. As stewards of the land through which our pipelines travel, you help ensure the continued safe delivery of energy products throughout Canada and the United States.
Whether you own the land, or are a tenant or organization who leases it, you are affected and impacted by our assets and deserve to be treated with respect, integrity and inclusion.
If you own or lease property along our pipelines, you can reach out to us at any time at land@southbow.com or toll-free at 1-877-999-0944.
You could contact us to:
If you are planning to do any work on the right-of-way that involves adding or removing ground cover, installing permanent or temporary facilities, excavating, deep tilling or other activities that could impact the pipeline or prevent access, please visit our Crossings and Encroachments page for details on how to do so safely.
Even if you have done similar work previously, the pipeline depth and route can vary, or the depth of cover may have changed due to erosion or other factors. Each project needs a new approval.
Do you own a farm? While most normal agricultural activities are permitted on the pipeline right-of-way, 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.
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.
Not a landowner, but have a question? Send us an email at public.awareness@southbow.com.
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.
