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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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Understanding Depth of Cover: Why It Matters to Landowners

Understanding the importance of depth of cover for buried pipelines

As a landowner with a pipeline running beneath your property, you may have heard the term “depth of cover” mentioned in a recent letter from us or from inspections or maintenance discussions. But what exactly does it mean—and why is it important to you?

At the British Pipeline Agency (BPA), we’re committed to promoting safety, transparency, and collaboration with landowners. This article explains what depth of cover is, why it’s critical, and the practical steps you can take to protect both your land and the essential infrastructure beneath it.

What is Depth of Cover?

The depth of cover refers to the amount of soil (or other material) between the ground surface and the top of the pipeline. It’s a key factor in ensuring the protection of pipelines from accidental damage, environmental conditions, and surface activities such as farming or construction.

For most buried pipelines, the ideal depth of cover varies depending on factors like land use, pipe diameter, and regulatory requirements—but it typically ranges from 0.9 to 1.2 metres.

Why Depth of Cover Matters

  1. Safety First
    Inadequate depth of cover increases the risk of third-party damage, especially from heavy machinery or deep ploughing. This can lead to serious safety hazards, including pipeline ruptures or leaks.
  2. Environmental Protection
    Pipelines transport fuels that, if released, could have environmental consequences. Sufficient cover helps safeguard the pipe from accidental impact and reduces the risk of a spill.
  3. Compliance and Liability
    Under UK regulations, both pipeline operators and landowners have responsibilities. If activities on the land disturb or reduce the pipeline’s cover, it could lead to non-compliance, requiring remedial work—or worse, resulting in damage for which liability may be shared.
  4. Long-Term Land Value
    Maintaining proper cover ensures that your land remains compliant and safe for future sale, lease, or agricultural use. It helps avoid costly repairs or restrictions that could affect your land’s usability or value.

Advice for Landowners

If you have a pipeline on your property, here are key actions to follow:

  • Know Where the Pipeline Is
    Familiarise yourself with the exact location and route of the pipeline. BPA can help provide maps and markers.
  • Check Before You Dig
    Always contact BPA before starting any excavation, fencing, tree planting, or construction work. Even seemingly minor activities can affect cover depth.
  • Report Erosion or Changes in Land Use
    Inform BPA if you notice soil erosion, flooding, or recent agricultural changes that may have reduced the pipeline’s cover.
  • Avoid Deep Cultivation Over Pipelines
    Avoid subsoiling, mole draining, or ploughing deeper than allowed near pipeline corridors. BPA can advise on safe depth limits.
  • Allow Access for Inspections
    Regular inspections and line walking helps us ensure the pipeline remains safe and well-covered. Your cooperation is crucial in maintaining integrity and safety

Working Together for Safety

At BPA, we value the role landowners play in helping protect vital pipeline infrastructure. By understanding and monitoring depth of cover, we can work together to ensure safety, environmental stewardship, and uninterrupted service.

If you’re ever unsure or need guidance, our team is here to help. You can reach out to our Lands Team for advice tailored to your property and activities.

/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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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
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BPA HAMPERS DELIVERED FOR CHRISTMAS

It’s that time of the year again when we draw five lucky winners to receive a Christmas BPA hamper for simply responding to our annual letter.  It’s important to respond to our letters to ensure that our contact details for you are up to date so we can contact landowners in the event of an emergency or if we need to access the land to undertake essential maintenance work.

As an incentive for landowners to respond and to confirm whether they still own or have responsibility for the land under which our buried, high pressure oil pipelines run we enter all responders into a prize draw with the opportunity to win a hamper worth more than £100.

By responding, BPA can be sure to have up to date records and it also gives landowners an opportunity to inform BPA of any land changes, while also reminding them to contact BPA should they need to undertake any work in the vicinity of the buried high pressure pipeline. 

There are more than 1000 km of pipelines that bisect the UK and, although designed to meet the internal pressures, are susceptible to potential damage from people inadvertently working in close proximity to them.  Keeping landowners informed and aware of the pipeline also helps BPA to keep them safe from leaks caused by any unintentional damage to the pipeline. 

BPA is proud to achieve market leading response rates from its landowners with nearly 75% of those landowners targeted sending their completed forms back to BPA.  If there are any questions regarding keeping your details up to date or if you would like to speak to a member of BPA’s team, contact us on 0800 585 387 or email us at lands@bpa.co.uk. 

Thanks again to everyone who responded and congratulations to this year’s hamper winners. 

 

 

 

  

/by BPA Management

HELPING YOU TO WORK SAFELY NEAR TO BURIED OIL PIPELINES

Buried oil pipelines in Staffordshire

The British Pipeline Agency Limited (BPA) manages more than 1000km of buried high pressure fuel pipelines across the UK that carry highly flammable petroleum or natural gas products at very high pressure.

The pipelines bisect the UK and, although designed to meet the internal pressures, are susceptible to potential damage from people inadvertently working in close proximity to them.

To prevent accidents the lands team at BPA works with landowners giving them advice and support should they need to carry out works in close proximity to the pipelines.  In many cases the pipelines are less than one metre from the surface and this can inadvertently lead to accidents should the safety guidelines not be followed.  Any damage caused to the pipeline could prove not only costly but also potentially fatal.

The buried oil pipelines bisect the country.  BPA’s 1000km network includes buried oil pipelines that run from Cheshire, Staffordshire and down through Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire.  BPA also manage the buried oil pipelines in around the London area and even across to East Anglia.

Every year, BPA writes to landowners to remind them of their obligations in relation to the buried oil pipelines.  The team works to ensure that they have the correct contact details for landowners and tenants should they need to be contacted in the event of an emergency or if repair work needs to be undertaken.

Equally the team is also on hand to offer free advice over the phone or visit the site to help provide support and advice to those looking to operate near to the buried pipeline network.  The team can identify the exact location of the buried oil pipeline and mark it out so that works can be safely carried out.

BPA is empowered to, and will, stop all works near the pipeline if it considers to be unsafe to the pipeline.  Landowners are also legally required to follow the Pipeline Safety Regulations 1996 that state that no person shall cause such damage to a pipeline as may give rise to a danger to persons.  Breaking these conditions can lead to prosecution.

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 are typically in the region of £10m.

As such, BPA aims to work closely with landowners and tenants along its pipeline network and to offer advice and support.  The team can also provide a presence on the ground and support landowners in ensuring any activities undertaken are done so in a safe manner.

If you have any questions or concerns relating to the buried oil pipeline under your land, please contact a member of the BPA team and let us assist you.

/by BPA Management

BE VIGILANT FOR SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITIES NEAR TO BURIED OIL PIPELINES

Report suspicious activities near to buried oil pipelines

The UK has a complex network of more than 27,000Km of buried high pressure oil, gas and chemical pipelines that bisect the country safely and efficiently transporting critical supplies to key points across the country. If suspicious activities are observed near to these buried pipelines it is important to report the matter to the pipeline operator or emergency services.

Although fortunately rare, there are some instances where the buried oil or gas pipelines can attract interest from criminals who seek to tap into the supply lines to steal fuel.  In addition, there are instances where unauthorised digging near to pipelines may occur.

In both instances, such activities pose a serious threat to those taking part as well as the potential for wider environmental or ecological damage. an

To help prevent against illegal tapping of pipelines or unauthorised digging, BPA works closely with its network of more than 2000 landowners asking them to keep vigilant and to report any suspicious activities seen near to BPA’s buried oil pipelines.

If they see any unusual activity or suspicious activities, simply call us on 01827 63708 and we will do the rest.

Suspicious activities can be hard to define, however we would ask landowners to contact us if they see suspicious vans parking close to the pipeline, non BPA staff or contractors taking interest in the pipeline route / marker posts or if there are signs of excavations or trenches around the pipeline. Please also inform us if you see hydraulic hoses or liquid storage containers in remote areas where they would not typically belong.

What information to provide

When contacting the lands team at BPA, it would be helpful if you could provide some of the following information:

  • The location of the incident – whether a postcode, address or grid reference or even the proximity to a landmark
  • A contact number should we need to get hold of you
  • Whether the emergency services been contacted?
  • Has anyone been injured?
  • Is there any sign of smoke or fire?
  • Are there still suspicious people or vehicles in the area?
  • Is there a strong smell of fuel, gas or any obvious signs of oil or gas leaking?
  • Is the incident near to a watercourse or public highway?

Even if you’re unable to answer all of the above, please still contact BPA and let us know of any concerns.

To support landowners and members of the public, we have a dedicated helpline number 0800 585 387 that is operated 24/7, 365 days of the year.  The team has a well-developed, regularly tested, emergency response process and is supported by specialist contractors that are in regular contact with the emergency services and regulatory bodies.

Thank you for remaining vigilant and please contact BPA’s Lands team on 0800 585 387 if you have any questions or would like to inform us of any suspicious or unusual activities along our pipeline network.

/by BPA Management