Excavator Information

Natural gas pipelines are a safe way to move energy while providing clean and reliable energy to homes, schools, businesses, factories, and electric power generation plants. We provide natural gas to customers in the Mesa, Queen Creek, and San Tan Valley communities through underground distribution lines.

Safe Digging Begins with You!

Contact Arizona 811 at least two full days before you dig to have underground utilities located and marked. Knowing the location of utilities is the simplest and easiest way to prevent accidental damage, keeping everyone safe and protecting the vital utilities we rely on daily. It’s FREE, and It’s the Law! Dial 8-1-1 or visit arizona811.com to get started.

Ensure the safety of your personnel and the public by utilizing the tips below:

  • Take our free Damage Prevention training and learn how to dig safely when working around utilities and how to react in a utility emergency.
  • Wait the required time and confirm that all utilities have responded to your request before digging.
  • Know the requirements for your project and obtain the proper permits.
  • Protect the marks. Use caution when digging and always hand dig within two feet of either side of any marked line to expose utilities.
  • Support and protect pipelines during excavation.
  • If damage occurs, call the appropriate facility owner immediately.

Hazard Awareness & Prevention Measures

Our goal is to maintain and operate a safe and reliable gas system for our customers while ensuring the safety of those living and/or working near our natural gas pipelines. We ensure our system’s operational integrity by monitoring it 24/7 and inspecting it regularly. We also work closely with emergency responders to prepare for any natural gas emergency.

Despite our efforts, occasional leaks from pipelines can occur. Working together, you can help us reduce safety risks and help prevent accidents and damage to the pipeline by knowing how to recognize a gas leak or other gas-related hazard and what to do during a natural gas emergency. 

 

Pipeline Markers: What They Mean and Why They Matter

decorativeSince most natural gas pipelines are buried underground, yellow pipeline markers may be used to indicate their presence. Pipeline markers display the pipeline operator’s name, material transported, and emergency contact information. 

 

 

 

 

 

Gas Leak Awareness

Know the Signs of a Gas Leak When Working Around Natural Gas Pipelines 

Natural gas is colorless and odorless in its natural state, so an odor is added to help detect its presence. A natural gas leak may be present if you:

  • SMELL an odor similar to rotten eggs. 
  • HEAR a hissing or unusual sound from a pipeline, appliance, or natural gas meter.
  • SEE dirt or water blowing into the air, unexplained dead or dying vegetation, or standing water that bubbles continuously.

If your equipment comes in contact with a gas line:

  • Leave equipment; don’t turn off engines or generators.
  • Warn others and leave the area quickly.
  • Do not operate gas valves to shut off the flow of gas.
  • Leave the excavation open.
  • Call 9-1-1 and our gas emergency line at 480-644-4277.

Mesa Requirements

Right-of-Way Permits (ROW)
If you will be excavating in a ROW, a permit will be required before beginning the project. Excavators failing to comply with the conditions noted on the permit can and will be issued a "stop work" order and will not be permitted to proceed until corrective action is taken.

Blasting Operations
If blasting is performed on your jobsite, a permit and a gas leak survey are required. Once you obtain a permit, a natural gas leak survey will be conducted before and within 24 hours after blasting within 200 feet of the gas pipeline. Permits can be obtained by contacting Mesa Fire at 480-644-2622 or Pinal County at 520-866-6442.

Boring Requirements
If boring will be performed on your jobsite, refer to Mesa Standards Detail No.18 and 18.1 and call 480-644-5517 or 480-644-3513 to schedule a Bore Monitor.

Check-n-Wrap Program
If a gas line is exposed during excavation, contact us for a free inspection at 480-644-2261. An inspector will visit the site to inspect the pipe for damages and ensure that it is adequately protected with backfill material. 

 

Helpful Resources

Arizona811- Excavation Guide

Arizona-811-Color Code Card

Are you digging it?(PDF, 1MB)

Arizona's Underground Facilities Law (A.R.S. 40-360.21-32)

 

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