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BURIED PIPELINES: WHY CHECKING BEFORE YOU DIG MATTERS MORE THAN EVER

Whether you’re installing a fence, digging a drainage ditch, planting trees or carrying out larger construction works, it’s easy to forget what’s hidden beneath the ground.

Yet the latest industry data shows that hundreds of potentially dangerous incidents occur every year when work takes place near buried pipelines. While overall pipeline infringements fell during 2025, there were still more than 800 recorded incidents across the UK, including several cases where pipelines were actually damaged.

The message is simple: before you break ground, make sure you know what’s below.

Most Incidents Are Preventable

The UKOPA 2025 Infringement Database Report recorded 805 infringements involving high-pressure pipelines, ranging from near misses to actual damage. Although this represents an encouraging reduction compared with the previous year, five incidents resulted in direct damage to pipelines.

Several of these incidents involved routine activities such as excavation and drainage works, demonstrating that even seemingly straightforward projects can have serious consequences if underground assets are not properly identified before work starts.

Damaging a buried pipeline can lead to service disruption, costly repairs, environmental impacts and, in some circumstances, significant risks to public safety.

The Activities Most Commonly Involved

The report found that excavation-related activities remain the leading cause of infringements, accounting for more than a quarter of all incidents recorded during 2025. Fencing, ditching and drainage work also featured prominently.

These are exactly the types of projects carried out every day by:

  • Farmers and agricultural contractors
  • Fencing contractors
  • Groundworkers
  • Builders and developers
  • Utility contractors
  • Landowners
  • Homeowners undertaking larger landscaping projects

Many of these activities begin with good intentions but become risky when underground assets are not identified before work starts.

Rural Areas Remain a Key Focus

Around 70% of all recorded infringements occurred on farmland and private land.

This highlights the importance of raising awareness among landowners, tenants and agricultural contractors who may be carrying out drainage improvements, fencing projects, access works or other routine land management activities.

Pipelines often cross land where there are few visible signs of their presence. Even where marker posts are present, they indicate the general route of a pipeline rather than its precise location.

What Should You Do Before Starting Work?

If you’re planning any excavation or ground disturbance activity, no matter how minor it may seem, follow these simple steps:

  1. Check for Underground Assets

Always use available asset search services before beginning work. Understanding what may be buried beneath your site is the first step in preventing damage. (Line Search Before You Dig is a useful tool for this – https://lsbud.co.uk).

  1. Contact the Pipeline Operator

If a pipeline is identified near your planned works, contact the operator as early as possible. They can provide guidance, confirm pipeline locations and explain any restrictions or safety requirements.

  1. Follow Safe Digging Practices

Never assume you know where a pipeline is located.  If unsure contact BPA and we can visit the site and help mark out the pipeline’s location and supervise works. Several incidents highlighted in the report demonstrated how assumptions about underground assets can lead to damage and near misses.

  1. Make Sure Everyone on Site Is Aware

Before work begins, ensure all contractors, machine operators and workers understand:

  • What pipelines are present
  • Where they are located
  • What permits or approvals are required
  • What emergency procedures should be followed

Good communication remains one of the most effective ways to prevent incidents.

  1. Stop Work If You’re Unsure

If something doesn’t look right, stop and seek advice.

Unexpected buried assets, unclear markings or discrepancies between plans and site conditions should always be investigated before work continues.

Awareness Makes a Difference

There are positive signs that awareness campaigns are helping. Every year BPA write to landowners to remind them of the pipelines and the landowners obligations if working in the vicinity of them.  Positively, the report notes a continuing reduction in fencing-related infringements following industry efforts to raise awareness of safe working practices around pipelines.

This demonstrates that when people understand the risks and know where to find guidance, incidents can be prevented.

Know What’s Below Before You Dig

Most pipeline strikes and near misses are avoidable. Taking a few minutes to check for underground assets and engage with asset owners can prevent injuries, service disruptions, environmental damage and costly delays.

Whether you’re installing a fence, digging a trench, improving drainage or managing agricultural land, the safest approach is always the same:

Plan ahead. Check what’s below. Contact asset owners. Work safely.

Because when it comes to buried infrastructure, what you can’t see can hurt you.

/by BPA Management

Know What’s Below: Working Together to Keep Landowners Safe

Respond to BPA's letters

At BPA, safety has always been our highest priority. Across our pipeline network, thousands of landowners, farmers, tenants and contractors live and work above buried pipelines every day. While these pipelines are safely buried underground, it is essential that anyone planning work near them understands where they are located and how to work safely around them.

That is the purpose of BPA’s Know What’s Below campaign.

The campaign runs every year and is designed to raise awareness of BPA’s buried pipeline network and provide practical information on what activities can be safely undertaken and when BPA’s Lands Team  should be contacted before work begins. Whether it’s installing fencing, carrying out drainage works, planting trees, excavating foundations or undertaking other ground disturbance activities, early communication helps prevent damage, protects people and ensures work can be completed safely.

The message is straightforward: before carrying out any work near a buried pipeline, contact BPA for advice and guidance.

Every year, BPA writes directly to landowners along its pipeline routes, providing information about the location of pipelines and reminding recipients of the safe working practices that should be followed. The campaign also encourages landowners to keep BPA informed of any changes to ownership, tenancy arrangements or contact details so that important safety information reaches the right people.

To make responding as easy and convenient as possible, BPA has continued to develop a multi-channel approach to communication.

In addition to traditional postal letters, landowners can now respond directly through the Know What’s Below website, providing updated contact information quickly and securely online. BPA also offers the option to respond via SMS, making it even easier for recipients to confirm details and engage with the campaign.

This year, BPA has also trialled the use of email communications, giving landowners the opportunity to receive their annual safety information electronically. This not only provides greater flexibility for recipients but also helps ensure important messages can be delivered more efficiently and accessed whenever needed.

These improvements are helping BPA achieve two important objectives. Firstly, they make it easier for landowners to stay informed about what to do, and what not to do, in the vicinity of buried pipelines. Secondly, they help BPA maintain accurate and up-to-date landowner records, ensuring safety information reaches the correct individuals whenever it is needed.

The success of the Know What’s Below campaign relies on partnership and communication. By working together, BPA and landowners can help prevent accidental damage to pipelines, protect people and the environment, and ensure the continued safe operation of infrastructure that plays an important role in supporting the UK’s energy and fuel networks.

If you receive a Know What’s Below communication from BPA, please take a few moments to review the information and update your details. It is a simple step that helps keep records current, improves communication and, most importantly, helps keep everyone safe.

/by BPA Management

Why Working Near Buried Pipelines Requires Care and Planning

UKOPA Infringement report

Every year, thousands of people across the UK safely carry out farming, construction, drainage and land management activities near buried pipelines. However, new figures published by the United Kingdom Onshore Pipeline Operators’ Association (UKOPA) highlight why it is so important to know what lies beneath the ground before any work begins.

According to UKOPA’s latest Infringement Database Report, 880 pipeline infringements were recorded across the UK’s buried pipeline network during 2024 – a 33% increase compared with the previous year. While many of these incidents did not result in damage, three involved actual damage to pipelines, demonstrating that the risks remain very real.

The report, which is compiled annually by UKOPA’s Infringement Working Group, found that the majority of incidents occurred on farmland and private land, accounting for more than 73% of all reported infringements. Activities such as excavation, ditching, fencing and installation works were among the most common causes. Landowners were associated with more than 60% of reported incidents, while contractors also accounted for a significant proportion.

For BPA, which operates a network of high-pressure fuel pipelines and is a member of UKOPA, these findings reinforce an important message: most pipeline incidents are preventable.

Buried pipelines are critical national infrastructure, transporting products safely and efficiently across the country. Although they are generally located underground and out of sight, they can be at relatively shallow depths in some locations. Activities such as fencing, drainage installation, ditch maintenance, tree planting and excavation all have the potential to damage a pipeline if appropriate precautions are not taken. Damage can pose serious risks to people, property, the environment and the continuity of essential fuel supplies.

The good news is that help is readily available. Before carrying out any work near a pipeline, landowners, contractors and anyone managing land should contact the pipeline operator. BPA can provide free advice, identify the location of pipelines, explain safe working requirements and, where necessary, arrange supervision to ensure work is completed safely.

UKOPA’s report also highlights the positive impact that awareness campaigns can have. Fencing-related infringements reduced following targeted safety initiatives and guidance, demonstrating that greater awareness and communication can significantly reduce risks.

At BPA, we are committed to working closely with landowners, farmers, tenants and contractors to promote safe working practices. By planning ahead, checking for buried infrastructure and speaking to the pipeline operator before work starts, everyone can play a role in protecting themselves, their colleagues and the UK’s vital pipeline network.

If you’re planning work near a pipeline, don’t take chances. Contact BPA’s dedicated Lands Team before you begin and make sure you know what’s below.

/by BPA Management
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Working Together to Keep People Safe Around BPA’s Buried Pipeline Network

BPA's buried pipeline network

BPA’s buried pipeline network runs across Cheshire, Staffordshire and Northamptonshire and other counties of England.  the company manages the network of buried high-pressure fuel pipelines that play an important role in keeping the UK moving. While these buried pipelines are safely underground and operate out of sight, they remain critical pieces of national infrastructure that require care and attention from anyone working near them.

One of the most important aspects of BPA’s work is maintaining strong relationships with the landowners, farmers and tenants who live and work above the pipeline network. Every year, the BPA Lands Team communicates directly with thousands of landowners, helping ensure they understand where pipelines are located and what steps should be taken before carrying out any works nearby.

Many routine farming and land management activities can be undertaken safely, but certain operations require additional planning and consultation. Activities such as fencing, ditching, drainage work, excavations, tree planting and construction projects all have the potential to impact buried pipelines if the correct procedures are not followed. In some locations, pipelines may be less than one metre below the surface, making it essential that anyone planning work knows exactly what lies beneath the ground before starting.

The good news is that help is readily available. BPA provides free advice and support to landowners and contractors planning work near its pipelines. The team can identify and mark the exact pipeline location, explain safe working requirements and, where necessary, provide on-site supervision to help ensure activities are carried out safely.

The message is simple: if you are planning any work near a BPA pipeline, contact the team before you start. Early engagement helps prevent damage, protects people and avoids unnecessary delays. It also helps safeguard the environment and ensures the continued safe operation of infrastructure that supplies fuel to homes, businesses, airports and transport networks across the country.

BPA’s Know What’s Below website was developed specifically to support landowners and tenants along the pipeline network. Through regular communications, guidance and direct support, the campaign helps raise awareness and encourages safe working practices around buried pipelines. This proactive approach has contributed to improved engagement with landowners and a reduction in unauthorised activities near the network.

If you’re planning work near a pipeline, don’t guess – know what’s below. Contact BPA’s Landowner Services team on 0800 585 387 for advice and support before work begins. Working together, we can help keep people safe, protect the environment and ensure vital pipeline infrastructure continues to operate safely for generations to come.

If you are an existing or new landowner along BPA’s pipeline network you can also keep your details up to date by clicking here.

/by BPA Management
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ADVICE FOR FENCING NEAR BURIED PIPELINES: AN IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR FARMERS

Advice for fencing near to buried pipelines

Fences are an essential part of managing land — keeping livestock safe, marking boundaries, and protecting crops. Here we outline advice for fencing near buried pressure pipelines as setting fence posts in the wrong place can have serious consequences for your safety, your livelihood, and the environment.

Why Fencing Near Pipelines is Risky

High-pressure pipelines often run silently and invisibly beneath farmland, carrying fuel, oil, gas or other products. Striking or damaging a pipeline while digging post holes can lead to:

  • Dangerous leaks or explosions
  • Severe injury or loss of life
  • Costly damage and legal consequences
  • Environmental harm

Even a small scrape to the pipeline coating can cause corrosion over time, leading to future failures.

Know What’s Below Before You Dig

Pipeline routes are often marked by posts or signs along field edges, but they can be missed if vegetation has grown over them or markers have been moved. It is also important to note that pipelines do not necessarily run in straight lines between marker posts.  That’s why it’s vital to:

  1. Look for pipeline markers before you start.
  2. Check your farm maps, property plans or contacts form pipeline operators for pipeline easements.
  3. Line Search Before You Dig — contact the Lands Team at BPA before you dig or if you are unsure of the pipeline operator use the free on-line search tool https://lsbud.co.uk to help identify underground utilities.
  4. Before undertaking any works near to buried pipelines, contact the pipeline operator if you’re not sure. They can confirm the pipeline’s location and help plan safe work.

At BPA we write to landowners every year to remind them of the pipelines, what to do if they need to undertake works as well as provide our contact information should landowners have any questions or concerns.

Working Together for Safety

Pipeline operators want to work with landowners to keep farming operations safe and productive. If a fence needs to cross a pipeline route, they can often provide:

  • Farm visits to mark out the exact location of the pipeline
  • Provide safe digging instructions
  • Provide on-site supervision during work

This helps avoid accidents and keeps you, your workers, and your land safe.

Your Checklist Before Installing a Fence

✅ Identify any pipelines on your land.
✅ Contact the pipeline operator if planning to fence within 50m of the pipeline.
✅ Follow all safety instructions and agreements for working near the pipeline.
✅ Never guess — always check.

For more information on what to do if ditching or fencing, download a copy of BPA’s ditching and fencing booklet by clicking here.

Final Thought:
Pipelines and farming can coexist safely — but only if we take the time to confirm what’s below before putting a post in the ground. A quick phone call now can prevent a costly or even life-threatening accident later.

When in doubt, call the pipeline operator. Your safety, your livelihood, and your land depend on it.

/by BPA Management
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Reporting Suspicious Activities Near Buried High-Pressure Pipelines: A Guide to Community Safety

Reporting Suspicious Activities Near Buried High-Pressure Pipelines

High-pressure pipelines are vital to transporting natural gas, oil, and other critical resources that power our homes, industries, and vehicles. These pipelines often run underground, hidden from view but essential to our daily lives. While they are built to be safe and resilient, their importance makes them potential targets for damage, vandalism, or even product theft.

Identifying and reporting suspicious activities near these pipelines can help ensure safety, environmental protection, and the integrity of our energy infrastructure.

Why is Monitoring Pipeline Safety Critical?

Buried high-pressure pipelines carry highly pressurized and potentially hazardous materials. A breach or damage to these pipelines can lead to severe consequences, including:

  • Explosions or Fires: The release of flammable gases or liquids can ignite, leading to catastrophic events.
  • Environmental Damage: Spills can contaminate soil, waterways, and ecosystems, causing long-term harm.
  • Service Disruption: Damage can interrupt the supply of critical resources, impacting businesses and households.
  • Safety Risks: Nearby communities and workers may face serious health and safety hazards.

Because of these risks, communities play a crucial role in safeguarding pipeline infrastructure by staying vigilant and reporting unusual or suspicious activities.

Recognising Suspicious Activities

Here are some examples of what might be considered suspicious near buried high-pressure pipelines:

  1. Unauthorized Digging: Excavations or digging near pipeline markers without visible permits or official signage.
  2. Unmarked Vehicles or Equipment: Vehicles parked or equipment operating near pipeline sites without logos or identifiers.
  3. Unusual Behaviour: Individuals loitering or taking photos near pipeline markers, pumping stations, or related facilities without a clear reason.
  4. Tampering with Equipment: Attempts to open valves, break locks, or interfere with monitoring systems.
  5. Unauthorised Construction: Projects or installations that seem to be encroaching on a pipeline’s right-of-way.

If you observe any of these activities, it is better to err on the side of caution and report your concerns.

Steps to Report Suspicious Activities

If you notice anything unusual or concerning near a pipeline, follow these steps:

  1. Note Key Details: Record the location, time, and description of the activity or individuals involved. Take note of vehicle license plates or distinguishing features if safe to do so.
  2. Avoid Direct Confrontation: Do not approach individuals or attempt to intervene. Your safety is the priority.
  3. Contact Authorities: Call your local emergency services or the pipeline operator’s emergency hotline, which is usually listed on nearby pipeline markers.
  4. Follow Up: If required, provide additional information to authorities or pipeline representatives to assist with their investigation.

Understanding Pipeline Markers

Pipeline markers are placed to indicate the presence of buried pipelines and often include the operator’s contact information and an emergency number. These markers do not indicate the exact location or depth of the pipeline but serve as a reminder to exercise caution in the area.

Protecting Pipelines is a Shared Responsibility

Maintaining the safety and security of buried high-pressure pipelines is not just the responsibility of pipeline operators—it’s a collective effort. By staying alert to suspicious activities and acting promptly to report them, you play a critical role in preventing accidents and protecting both people and the environment.

If you’re unsure who to contact, start with the number on the pipeline marker, BPA’s lands team on 0800 585 387 or call your local authorities. Together, we can ensure that these vital resources remain secure and reliable for generations to come.

/by BPA Management
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DO NOT DIG NEAR BURIED PIPELINES UNTIL YOU KNOW WHAT’S BELOW

Don't dig near to buried pipelines

Each year we write to the landowners and tenants along our pipeline network to remind them to not undertake any digging, excavation, fencing, ditching, mole ploughing or the installation of land drainage within 50m of the buried pipeline without prior authorisation from BPA.

We recognise that these activities are necessary, however for critical safety reasons landowners are required to liaise with us as the pipeline operator first. To assist landowners, we have a dedicated ‘Landowner Services’ team who are available to provide support and advice over the phone or visit the site to free of charge.

If you are looking to undertake works near to buried pipelines, BPA’s lands team ask that those who are looking to undertake any works within 50 metres of a buried BPA pipeline follow the following guidelines:

  • Give a minimum of 7 days-notice before works begin. This will ensure we can fully support you with your proposed activities.
  • Never assume you can go ahead unless consent is given. BPA’s team is on hand to support your work, however works should not begin until permission is granted
  • Be aware that pipeline depths vary across the country and can often be found only a metre below the surface, they are also seldom protected with concrete slabs.
  • Care should be taken when looking to clear ditches as the pipeline depths vary and may even not have protective cover in places
  • Pipelines do not always run in straight lines between marker posts. Although posts are used to mark the location of a pipeline at a field boundary, not all pipelines run in straight lines between posts. BPA’s team is available to help mark out the exact location.
  • Be aware that other infrastructure, such as cables, can be buried shallower than the pipeline. There are often other potentially hazardous or safety critical infrastructure buried along the pipeline lengths, these can be found at even shallower depth to the pipeline.

It is also the landowner’s responsibility to ensure that employees and contractors operating on their land comply with regulations as damage to pipelines can pose a significant risk to life, as well as potentially serious environmental damage if a product is released.

Landowners who do not comply with the requirements could also be prosecuted by the HSE as Regulation 15 of the Pipelines Safety Regulations Act states: “No person shall cause such damage to a pipeline as may give rise to dangers to persons”.  It is the landowner’s responsibility to ensure that employees, contractors and others operating on their land comply with regulations.

As well as potential prosecution, damage to the pipeline could lead to environmental harm through serious pollution of soil, water, and the atmosphere, which is likely to lead to prosecution by the Environment Agency. The cost of repair and subsequent clean-up is likely to exceed £1m.

To support landowners needing to undertake works near to buried pipelines, BPA’s Landowner Services team is on hand and able to support landowners regarding any questions or queries that they may have.  Our team is available 24/7 to offer advice and support landowners.  Contact us via the website or call 0800 585 387.

/by BPA Management
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DON’T DIG NEAR TO BURIED PIPELINES

With the unseasonably wet weather the UK has experienced this year, here we remind landowners “Don’t dig near to pipelines” without permission from the pipeline operator.

Britain has more than 27,000 km of buried pipelines used to transport a range of products at high pressures of up to 100 bar. This includes flammable and explosive products such as oil, natural gas, ethylene, and petroleum, as well as less obviously hazardous materials such as water.

Prior to working in the vicinity of high-pressure pipelines, landowners are required to contact the pipeline operator. BPA asks its landowners that they are notified for any works within 50m of a pipeline, particularly if the pipeline is known to be at a shallow depth.

When we are contacted we can provide safety guidance and advice including coming out and marking out the pipeline to enable the farmer or landowner to carry on with the required activities.

Contractors, employees and temporary staff working on the land also need to be informed of the pipeline locations to discuss and agree on the necessary precautions before starting work.

Agricultural activities that pose a significant risk to pipelines include the installation or repair of drainage pipes or clearing ditches near buried pipelines. Such activities often require heavy machinery and can easily excavate close to the pipeline’s nominal depth of 1m.

To prevent risks to landowner and pipeline, anyone planning works within 3 metres of a our buried pipelines must obtain permission from BPA. This is not to prevent the works, but simply to ensure they are undertaken safely.

Pipeline marker posts

The locations of pipelines are normally indicated by marker posts at the edges of fields; however, marker posts can be accidentally moved or damaged, and pipelines may not run in a straight line between posts and aerial markers.

Who to contact for buried pipelines

Pipeline marker post

The depth of the pipeline’s cover may also be reduced in parts, so contact our lands team so we can advise on the exact location of the pipeline. We can arrange to visit the site, trace and accurately mark out the exact pipeline location, and provide guidance on safe working while near to the pipeline.

To help ensure the best and safest outcomes for all, farmers or contractors are advised not to undertake any works within three metres of a buried pipeline. If planning works, please:

  • Never assume the route or depth of pipeline.
  • Give pipeline operators sufficient notice before works begin.
  • Do not proceed with works until consent is given by the pipeline operator.
  • Be aware that pipeline depths vary and can often be found less than 1m below the surface.
  • Remember pipelines do not always run in straight lines between marker posts.
  • Be aware that other safety-critical infrastructure, such as cables, valve chambers and standpipes, can be buried along the pipeline lengths; these can be found at even shallower depths than the pipeline.

Landowner Responsibilities

Damage to pipelines can pose a significant risk to life, as well as potentially serious environmental damage if a product is released. It can also lead to prosecution by the HSE as Regulation 15 of the Pipelines Safety Regulations Act states: “No person shall cause such damage to a pipeline as may give rise to dangers to persons”.

Working near pipelines without taking the correct precautions can have serious consequences and potential prosecution.  It is the landowner’s responsibility to ensure that employees, contractors and others operating on their land comply with regulations.

As well as potential prosecution, damage to the pipeline could lead to environmental harm through serious pollution of soil, water, and the atmosphere, which is likely to lead to prosecution by the Environment Agency. The cost of repair and subsequent clean-up is likely to exceed £1m.

If in doubt, contact BPA as we are here to help. More information and videos on what to do and not do near to buried pipelines can be found here.

/by BPA Management
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WHO TO CONTACT ABOUT BURIED PIPELINES?

Pipeline marker post - Who to contact for buried pipelines

There are more than 27,000 KM of buried pipelines in the UK, but who should landowners contact about buried pipelines if they have any questions or are looking to undertake works in proximity of them?

There are numerous organisations who can assist and point landowners in the right direction if they are looking to inform the pipeline operator of any scheduled works. Most pipeline operators write to landowners and tenants to ensure that they have their contact details in case of emergencies or if they need to ask for supervision of any works being undertaken. This documentation should have the operator’s contact details.

In BPA’s case the contact number if 0800 585 387. This number is manned 24/7 and is there in case of emergencies and to forward calls to BPA’s lands team should landowners have any specific questions.

If you are unsure of who operates the pipeline there are other organisations who will be able to assist and point you in the right direction.  The first is LinesearchbeforeUdig (LSBUD) which is a free to use service that any individual can use to check their works against over 140 operators who own and manage buried utility assets.

These assets include hundreds of thousands of kilometres of underground pipelines and cables in the electricity, gas, high pressure fuel, water and fibre optic networks. The service processes over 3.7 million enquiries per annum – that’s more than one every 10 seconds.

If you are on site and near to a pipeline, it’s likely that you will see a marker post that informs the public that there is a pipeline in close proximity.  The details of the pipeline operator are also available on the marker post itself to assist landowners.

If looking to contact the pipeline operator, we would advocate giving them as much notice as possible so that they can offer advice, come out to site or help supervise works as well as mark out exactly where the pipeline is located.

By working with landowners, utility companies or other bodies that may be required to dig in the vicinity of buried pipelines LSBUD and BPA aim to ensure a prompt and accurate response to all enquiries in an effort to reduce injuries and deaths due to asset strikes.

BPA also writes to landowners and tenants to ensure that the contact details are correct so that the organisation can contact them should they need to inform them of repairs or other works that need to be undertaken on the pipeline infrastructure. Please help us by responding to the letters and keeping your details up to date.

Details can be kept up to date by clicking here.

We hope this information is useful on who to contact about buried pipelines. If in doubt contact a member of BPA’s lands team and we will be happy to assist.

/by BPA Management
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CLEARING DITCHES NEAR TO BURIED PIPELINES

Ditch clearing near buried pipelines

With the unseasonably wet weather the UK has experienced this summer, BPA’s Landowner Services team is asking landowners to be aware of buried high pressure oil pipelines before clearing ditches.

Many farmers and landowners are taking the opportunity to clear ditches to help alleviate the potential for flooding or water damage.  As part of BPA’s Know What’s Below campaign, the company regularly communicates with landowners to warn them of the risks to pipelines if the right procedures are not followed when clearing ditches along the company’s 1000km of buried oil pipelines.

Keeping watercourses well maintained benefits the community, particularly if an area experiences flooding as poorly maintained watercourses can be a nuisance, restrict access to property and can result in considerable expense and inconvenience for those that have been flooded.

Issues arise when landowners or contractors clear ditches with an excavator or other mechanical equipment as they have the potential to damage the buried high pressure oil pipelines.  Farmers or other landowners looking to operate in the vicinity of buried pipelines should contact the pipeline operator in advance before starting any works.

To help ensure the best and safest outcomes for all, BPA’s lands team ask that those who are looking to undertake any works within three metres of a buried BPA pipeline:

  • Give a minimum of 7 days-notice before works begin. This will ensure we can fully support you with your proposed activities.
  • Never assume you can go ahead unless consent is given. BPA’s team will be on hand to support your work, however, works should not begin until permission is granted.
  • Be aware pipeline depths vary under ditches and are not always protected with slabs. Be aware that pipeline depths vary across the country and can often be found only a metre below the surface, they are also seldom protected with concrete slabs.
  • Seek advice as pipelines do not always run in straight lines between marker posts. Although posts are used to mark the location of a pipeline at a field boundary, not all pipelines run in straight lines between posts. We’re here to help mark out the exact location.
  • Be aware that other infrastructure, such as cables, can be buried shallower than the pipeline. Often there are other potentially hazardous or safety critical infrastructure buried along the pipeline lengths, these can be found at even shallower depth to the pipeline.

Landowner’s responsibilities

It is also the landowner’s responsibility to ensure that contractors operating on their land comply with regulations.  Working near pipelines without taking the correct precautions can have serious consequences.

BPA’s Landowner Services team is on hand and able to support landowners regarding any questions or queries that they may have.  Our team is available 24/7 to offer advice and support landowners.  Contact us via the website or call 0800 585 387

/by BPA Management