Sunrise Backhoe Services Ltd Prosecuted for Damaging Pipeline

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Belle River contractor prosecuted for damaging pipeline

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Toronto, ON, January 23, 2018)

Following a Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) investigation, Belle River contractor, Sunrise Backhoe Services Ltd., has pled guilty to damaging a natural gas pipeline, contrary to the Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems Regulation (Ontario 210/01).

The charges were laid subsequent to a TSSA inspector's investigation of damage to a natural gas pipeline on Hayes Street in Lasalle, Ontario.  On January 14, 2019, Sunrise Backhoe pled guilty to one count of damaging a pipeline; they were fined $7,500, plus the mandatory 25% victim fine surcharge, for a total $9,375.

"Hitting a pipeline with pressurized gas is a significant risk to public safety," said John Marshall, Director of TSSA's Fuels Safety Program. "It can cause explosions, damage, injury and death. That's why Ontario has stringent laws around pipeline safety, including rules to obtain a valid locate before breaking ground and to hand-dig within one metre of utility markings."

TSSA reminds the public that any excavation work must comply with Ontario's safety laws, including obtaining a valid pipeline locate from the license holder or gas utility before breaking ground and not using mechanical equipment while digging within one metre of a pipeline. Free locates can be obtained from Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255, or visit http://on1call.com.

Ontario Regulation 210/01 prohibits interfering with or damaging a pipeline.  Any damage and/or subsequent release of gas should be immediately reported to the Ministry of Environment's Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060 or by contacting TSSA toll-free at 1-877-682-8772.