Online aid to check out where pipelines lie
It is often easy to assume that replacing one fence with another in the same location would cause no apparent issues, writes Tiffany Salmon.
However, will the new fence have larger and deeper posts? Are you thinking of diverting the original line around a piece of scrubland? These are things that must be considered, along with any other farming and cultivation activity which disturbs the ground as there may be hidden pipelines carrying high pressure oil or gas underneath the ground.
The majority of pipelines today have above ground marker posts to highlight they are in the vicinity. However, there may be sections of pipeline which have not been marked, therefore it is vitally important to think before you dig and ensure there is nothing lurking below ground. Hitting an oil or gas line can have huge and possibly fatal consequences for the person involved.
New apparatus and pipelines continue to be laid and it can be difficult to keep track of what is beneath your land.
As such Fisher German and PelicanCorp created LinesearchbeforeUdig through a joint venture, which is a free internet-based inquiry system allowing third parties or private individuals to make inquiries against the listed members apparatus.
There are now 44 members whose apparatus is detailed on LinesearchbeforeUdig including Essar, Esso Petroleum Co Ltd, and Shell Pipelines to name but a few.
The site www.linesearchbeforeudig.co.uk also provides useful guidance such as in relation to working in close proximity to high pressure pipeline, details about the differing marker posts and whose equipment they relate to and a safe digging toolbox leaflet.
Pipelines and ancillary equipment have what is called a wayleave or an easement, which grants a right of way over another person's land.
The area may extend some metres either side of the equipment, known as the sterile strip in order to protect pipeline/cable and the persons operating around it.
If work is required to be undertaken within the sterile strip then permission must be obtained from the utility company or owner. For further information call the Linesearchbeforeudig inquiry team on 0845 437 7365.
By Tiffany Salmon, MRICS FAAV, Fisher German
