Ohio PHC Contractor Volume 2019 Issue 2

etween utility companies and individuals planning any type of
digging project.
Once an emergency ticket is issued, a locator will arrive at the site
within an hour or two, in most cases, to mark the lines. Calling 811
cannot guarantee a line is free of cross bores, but you will learn
whether utilities exist around the blocked sewer lateral, which
increases the possibility of a cross bore.
Once you have this information, you can make an informed
decision as to whether any additional services may be required
or whether you need to contact that facility owner. If a gas line is
in the affected area, please contact Columbia Gas of Ohio at 800-
344-4077 and we will dispatch someone right away.
An inspection camera is the best tool to determine whether
another utility– including a natural gas line – has penetrated the
sewer line. These types of cameras are expensive, so if you don’t
own one, you may want to hire someone who has a camera and
can inspect the line for you. Please keep in mind, however, that
you cannot see everything even if you use a camera, which makes
the call to 811 especially important.
WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY
Always be alert to any unusual conditions that may indicate a
natural gas line has ruptured while sewer lines are being cleared.
These indications include hissing sounds, a natural gas odor
(smells like rotten eggs), blowing dirt and bubbling water in
locations with standing water, such as a puddle or toilet.
If you suspect a gas leak or that you or someone else has ruptured
a natural gas line, take these steps:
• Evacuate the area immediately and instruct others to do the
same.
• Once you reach a safe location, call 911 first and then call
Columbia Gas at 1-800-344-4077.
• Keep others at a safe distance from the site and wait for
emergency response crews to arrive.
• Do not operate any electrical devices that may cause a spark,
including a cell phone.
• Do not operate below ground valves or turn equipment
on or off.
Columbia Gas has implemented a sewer line safety program to
identify and remediate cross bore situations. In addition to our
contractor, we are also partnering with local municipalities to
inspect sewer lines (sanitary and storm) and isolate and correct
cross bore situations.
YOU CAN HELP – CALL BEFORE YOU CLEAR
Cross bores may go for months or even years without creating
a problem. Always use caution any time you work with blocked
sewer lines as the blockage may be caused by a cross bore. Always
call 811 before you begin to clear any sewer line to help mitigate
safety risks for you, the homeowner and nearby residents – and to
reduce your liability.
Columbia Gas remains focused on safety every day, and we invite
you to help us spread the message about cross bores and the
importance of calling 811 before you use any mechanical device
to clear a sewer line outside a home or other structure. It is a
simple step that can help ensure greater safety for all.
A 1-inch plastic service line penetrated a 15-inch concrete
storm sewer, resulting in a cross bore.
IDENTIFY A CROSS BORE, EARN $100!
As part of our commitment to safety, Columbia Gas is
offering a reward to plumbers who accurately discover
and report a natural gas cross bore to Columbia Gas.
Here’s how the program works:
• Identify the approximate location of the blockage in
the Columbia Gas service area
• Use a camera or other means to determine the
location
• Call Columbia Gas at 1-800-344-4077 if you suspect a
cross bore and, if it is in an area we serve, we’ll send
someone immediately
• Columbia Gas personnel will try to locate our gas
facilities
• If we verify it is natural gas cross bore compromising
our facilities, you will receive a $100 Visa Gift Card
This program is available to Ohio-licensed plumbers
only. Reward eligibility is contingent upon Columbia Gas
verifying the reported natural gas cross bore is in the
Columbia Gas service area.
Reward program dates are May 1, 2019, through October
31, 2019. Program funds are limited and are rewarded on
a first-come, first-served basis. Columbia Gas reserves the
right to discontinue this program at any time, without
notice.
Scott Tustin has worked at Columbia Gas of Ohio for
over 25 years and with the construction industry for
over 30 years. He presently oversees the legacy Cross
Bore Program within the state of Ohio as part of his
responsibilities with Columbia Gas of Ohio Pipeline
Safety & Compliance.
16 OHIO PHC CONTRACTOR • VOLUME 2019, ISSUE 2