Safety FAQ
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Are the marker signs right on top of the pipeline?
No they are not. The signs are there as a guide only and no work should be carried out across, near or adjacent to the pipeline without going through the Dial Before You Dig system or contacting SEA Gas for a free pipeline location. Remember any earthworks deeper than 300mm SEA Gas should be notified.
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I have a fence already across the pipeline easement, why do I need to contact SEA Gas if I am just replacing the posts?
You would still be going deeper than the 300mm and therefore must advise SEA Gas of the proposed work you wish to carry out. You may also be using an auger at the time, so as stated before ANY earthworks deeper than 300mm you must contact SEA Gas and / or Dial Before You Dig for a free pipeline location.
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I intend to deep rip some of my paddocks in the future. Do I have to let SEA Gas know?
Yes, you must contact SEA Gas before doing any deep ripping. The pipeline may be less than a metre below the surface in places and some rippers have settings to a depth of a metre or more. SEA Gas does not permit deep ripping across the easement and you would need to have a representative from SEA Gas on site to ensure the pipeline is located and that you can work safely around it.
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I saw the pipeline go in - so do I need to call SEA Gas because the work I am doing won't go down that deep?
If you intend to carry out any earthworks deeper than 300mm then SEA Gas must be advised prior to any work being carried out. Many people think that the pipeline is buried deeper than it actually is. Remember that in many parts of the pipeline route the pipeline is not even 1 metre deep.
Don’t assume – Be sure and ask for a free pipeline location and depth of cover.
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I am a contractor that works for a landholder. If I accidentally hit the pipeline is it my responsibility or the landholders?
If you are the party carrying out the earthworks it is YOUR responsibility to ensure that a Dial Before You Dig has been carried out and that a pipeline location has been done. If you do not and something should happen, then you will be held responsible for costs and repairs.
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What if I carry out earthworks and do not advise SEA Gas?
Any unauthorised activity within the pipeline easement is a reportable offence to the appropriate authority. ESV in Victoria and PIRSA in South Australia. Offences can incur substantial fines, which are issued by the regulatory authorities – not SEA Gas.
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Why do I need to use the Dial Before You Dig service before I begin?
If you do not call the Dial Before You Dig service, you not only risk damaging pipes and cables buried underground, you also risk putting lives in danger. Underground pipes and cables carry vital services such as water, gas, electricity and communications – damaging them can cause wide spread disruption and in some cases isolate entire communities from these essential basic services. Damaging underground networks causes inconvenience for everyone affected, including financial losses for local businesses. If you are found to be negligent in causing damage to underground pipes and cables you can face severe penalties.
Environmental FAQ
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Can I plant trees across the easement?
No, SEA Gas requires line of sight between marker signs, and tree roots can potentially damage the pipeline coating. Normally tree planting is not permitted within 6 metres of the centreline of the pipeline, we do however allow low shrubs and grasses to be planted. If you require a list of species specific to your area then please contact our Operations Support Coordinator to assist.
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How does SEA Gas prevent weeds being introduced on to my property during pipeline operations?
SEA Gas resricts its operations and patrol activities to public roads and restricts access to sections of the easement on private property. Where necessary SEA Gas consults all affected stakeholders and will develop a site specific inspection and wash down entry procedure.