Construction activities parallel to existing transmission pipelines, for any distance, are the focus of this recommended practice (RP). Activity of concern includes construction activity that could impact an existing facility, such as excavation or movement of equipment across the pipeline or within the easement that could affect the safe operation of the existing pipeline. This RP is intended as a resource to assist all parties to safely manage construction activities of new or modified facilities parallel to existing underground transmission pipelines. Legislation and regulation related to excavation damage prevention varies by jurisdiction.
For example, damage prevention regulations in Texas are different than in Louisiana. This RP shall not be construed as proposing deviation from any jurisdictional requirements. Likewise, nothing in this RP prevents the parties from agreeing to additional or more stringent measures, regardless of minimum regulatory expectations. The primary emphasis of these guidelines is on the interaction between existing transmission pipeline operators and those planning to construct in a parallel fashion. These activities may involve many different parties.
Contractors working on behalf of the constructing party, including environmental and survey professionals, design engineers, construction contractors, and operators of excavation and earth moving equipment, should engage in work practices that are in conformance with these guidelines, and apply vigilance in identifying unanticipated circumstances that may indicate a problem. This RP refers to all of these entities as the “constructing party.” These guidelines have been developed such that they can be incorporated into contract documents executed with contractors and subcontractors by whichever party is involved in or responsible for construction activities.
