There are three steps for digging safely and helping keep pipelines safe.

Step 1 – Call Before You Dig – It’s The Law. Even minor digging activities such as installing a mail box or a fence can cause damage to pipelines. Every state in the U.S. has established an official office to assist its citizens in complying with their obligations to recognize the presence of and to protect pipelines when they dig. These offices are called “One Call Centers”. They take information from the citizens and through a clearing and communicating process with pipeline operators, determine whether underground pipelines exist in the proposed area of digging.

For other numbers, or if you are unsure about which One Call Center to call, call the Dig Safely national referral number at 1-888-258-0808 or visit www.digsafely.com/contacts.htm.

After you call and give the One Call Center the general information and location of your digging project, they will either tell you it is safe to dig because there are no pipelines near you, or will notify pipeline operators in the area of your intended digging. If your project is near a KPL-operated pipeline, we will come to your location and mark our pipeline’s location prior to your project. In some cases, we may remain on site until your digging is finished.

All of these services are free to you, and we encourage you to take advantage of them.

Step 2 – Recognize The Pipeline Location, Respect The Marks and Report If You Hit Our Pipelines While Digging.

When digging, RESPECT THE MARKS that the line locator left. Do not dig near them.

However, if you strike our pipeline while digging, it is important that you telephone us immediately at 1-800-688-7594. Even what appears to be minor damage, such as a dent or chipped pipeline coating, is important because it could result in a future leak.

If the pipeline has been struck – don’t cover it up with dirt – it makes it harder to find the damaged area.

Call Koch Pipeline Company at 1-800-688-7594 and we will repair the line.

Step 3 – Recognize And Respect The Pipeline Right-Of-Way. Pipeline companies have leased, been granted, or purchased an area of land on both sides of their pipelines. This area of land is called the Right-Of-Way.

Respecting The Right-Of-Way maintains the safety of our pipeline neighbors and the pipeline. If you, as our neighbor, plant trees or place buildings on the Right-Of-Way, your actions may interfere with our access to the pipeline and our work to keep it safe through patrols, inspections and maintenance. If you have questions about the pipeline Right-Of-Way in your neighborhood or if you are aware of projects planned on the Right-Of-Way, call our Right-Of-Way department at 1-800-624-4569.