TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 30, 2010) - Enbridge Gas Distribution (TSX:ENB) (NYSE:ENB) has launched a new public safety campaign to encourage everyone - including plumbers, municipal sewer operators, property managers and property owners - in its service area to call Ontario One Call to obtain a Natural Gas Sewer Safety Inspection before taking any steps to clear a sewer line beyond the outside walls of a home or business.
The use of rotating equipment (such as a motorized auger, power snake or other root-cutting equipment) or water jetting (flushing) equipment to clear a sewer service line blockage beyond the outside wall of a building can pose a serious safety risk if certain precautions are not taken.
"Safety is our priority and that's why we are taking proactive steps to address this industry issue," says Jamie Milner, Vice President, Enbridge Gas Distribution. "We are working within the industry to raise awareness about sewer safety. We are also launching this campaign in our service area so that anyone doing this type of work, or having it done in their home or business, can take the appropriate steps to minimize risk to themselves and others."
This new initiative has been launched to address an industry-wide safety issue related to the past use of trenchless underground tunnelling to install natural gas service lines. It is possible that some natural gas lines installed using this approach may have inadvertently intersected with sewer service lines. Without interference, natural gas lines will remain in a safe condition, even in cases where an intersection with a sewer line has occurred. However, a serious safety risk will arise if equipment used to clear a sewer line causes damage to an intersecting natural gas line. Risks include the creation of conditions that may lead to a gas leak, fire or explosion.
The natural gas sewer safety initiative works much like the existing Call Before You Dig program. Anyone planning to use rotating or water jetting equipment beyond the exterior walls of a building should call Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 before any work begins. Ontario One Call will arrange for Enbridge to conduct a free Natural Gas Sewer Safety Inspection to avoid potential damage to underground natural gas pipes.
Alternatively, drain clearing service providers may be able to perform a complete, clear video inspection of the sewer service line to rule out the presence of a natural gas line before using any rotating or water jetting equipment. However, if the presence of a natural gas line cannot be ruled out, anyone planning to use rotating or water jetting equipment should call Ontario One Call for an inspection.
Enbridge Gas Distribution has changed its construction practices to minimize the potential for safety issues to arise with future trenchless installations. However, the potential for an intersection of natural gas and sewer service lines must be taken into account at any location where trenchless installation practices were used in the past.
Enbridge has initiated an ongoing campaign to raise awareness of this issue with other utilities, municipalities, plumbers and drain clearing service providers. Industry representatives looking for more information or brochures to share with their employees may call 1-888-880-8948.
Enbridge Gas Distribution will promote Natural Gas Sewer Safety Inspections as part of its ongoing safety communication efforts. Other messages promoted by Enbridge Gas Distribution include carbon monoxide safety and the importance of calling Ontario One Call for natural gas locates before digging.
For more information, visit www.enbridgegas.com.
Enbridge Gas Distribution has a more than 160-year history and is Canada's largest natural gas distribution company. It is owned by Enbridge Inc., a Canadian-based leader in energy transportation and distribution and one of the 2010 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations. Enbridge Inc. has been selected as one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2010 and is one of Canada's Top 100 Employers. Enbridge Gas Distribution and its affiliates distribute natural gas to about 1.9 million customers in Ontario, Quebec, New York State and New Brunswick.
For more information please contact:
Enbridge Gas Distribution
Lisa McCarney-Warus
Media Contact
(416) 495-5662
lisa.mccarney@enbridge.com
or
Enbridge Gas Distribution
Chris Meyer
Media Contact
(416) 753-6626
chris.meyer@enbridge.com
www.enbridgegas.com