Robert Excavating Fined $15,000+ for Damaging Pipeline

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Robert Excavating Fined $15,000+ for Damaging Pipeline
Six homes evacuated, and 20 homes lost service

Toronto, ON, May 25, 2023 – Robert Excavating pled guilty last Thursday to damaging a pipeline, an offense under the Technical Standards and Safety Act. As a result of the damage, six Ottawa homes were evacuated, and 20 homes lost service. The Ontario Court of Justice ordered Robert Excavating to pay a total fine of $15,000, plus a 25 per cent victim surcharge.

In August 2021, Robert Excavating and its subcontractor were performing a water rehabilitation project. Robert Excavating's subcontractor struck a two-inch polyethylene pipeline with a mechanical excavator, causing gas to escape. While valid locates were obtained and locate marks were made on site, the pipeline was not located by hand digging prior to the use of mechanical equipment. In addition, the subcontractor was excavating within the one metre boundary of the pipeline.

"Any excavation work must comply with Ontario's safety laws, including obtaining a valid pipeline locate before breaking ground and not using mechanical equipment while digging within one metre of a pipeline," said Sam Sadeghi, Statutory Director, Fuels Safety Program, TSSA. "The consequences of not abiding by these laws can be catastrophic, as puncturing a gas line can result in damage, explosions, injury and even death."