Q: Is it illegal to remove pipeline markers?

-John Trimble, Sector

A: Out of sight, out of mind. The vast majority of America's 2.5 million miles of energy pipelines are underground, causing them to be vulnerable to accidental breaches and failures as a result of digging and excavation practices. As a way to avoid accidental contact with pipelines, markers are used to provide these valuable resources, and the companies that operate them, a sense of presence in the open environment and serve as a warning to others that a dangerous utility is in the vicinity.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) requires operators to ensure their pipeline rights-of-way are properly marked and identified for a variety of reasons, including to save lives and to ensure proper excavation practices are conducted in the pipeline's vicinity. In the absence of a marker, excavation activities in the area of pipeline right-of-way can have tragic consequences. Occasionally, PHMSA is notified when pipeline markers are illegally removed, causing a once easily identifiable right-of-way to look similar to other surrounding landscapes.

So why would someone want to remove a pipeline marker from the ground? PHMSA inspectors have encountered a number of reasons including homeowners or realtors attempting to sell homes adjacent to pipeline easements, developers looking to build on land in the area of a pipeline right-of-way, or disgruntled landowners unhappy with markers near their properties. No matter the reason behind it, removing a pipeline marker is AGAINST THE LAW. Anyone found guilty of knowingly and willfully defacing, damaging, removing, or destroying a pipeline sign or right-of-way marker can be fined, receive imprisonment for up to one year or both.

PHMSA asks you to protect yourself and others. If you observe anyone removing a pipeline marker without an operator's permission, remind them they are breaking the law. In addition, operators experiencing chronic problems with individuals removing their markers should contact their state program manager or regional PHMSA pipeline safety office to discuss ways to resolve the problem.

Remember, before digging in the vicinity of a pipeline marker, all excavators, including the general public, should call their State One-Call Center to ensure any underground facilities are accurately marked. Pipeline markers indicate only the presence of a pipeline and cannot be relied upon to determine its exact location. Additionally, there may be multiple pipelines located in the same right-of-way.

The One-Call process is designed to protect both people and property and calling 811 will connect you with appropriate One-Call Center. So Call Before You Dig - IT'S THE LAW.

-Damon A. Hill, Spokesman
Office of Government, International and Public Affairs
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)
U.S. Dept. of Transportation
damon.hill@dot.gov