Underground natural gas pipes that have been inadvertently installed through sewer or septic pipes are known as a cross bore. Cross bores pose a danger, which is why Union Gas has implemented the Utility Cross Bore Safety Program. Find more information below.
Utility Cross Bore Safety Program
What is a cross bore?
Underground natural gas pipes that have been inadvertently installed through sewer or septic pipes are known as a cross bore.
Why is this an issue?
Cross bores pose a danger because the equipment used to unclog sewer and septic pipes can easily penetrate a natural gas pipe and lead to the dangerous release of natural gas.
The implementation of Union Gas’ Utility Cross Bore Safety Program requires that inspections are carried out by a third-party and therefore may result in delays to property owners who are experiencing a sewer back-up. There will be no charge to the property owner.
Solving Sanitary or Storm Sewer Issues
As a result of the Utility Cross Bore Safety Program, the process for investigating sanitary or storm sewer issues is as follows:
During Normal Working Hours (Monday to Friday 8:00 to 4:00 p.m.):
- Property owner discovers a problem with either their sanitary or storm sewer lateral (i.e. sewer back-up)
- Property owner contacts Haldimand County (905 318 5932) – County instructs the property owner to also call Ontario One Call (1 800 400 2255) for a Sewer Safety Inspection (SSI). Customer Service Representative will advise property owner that Haldimand County staff will respond to clear the sewer line once the SSI has been completed
- County staff ensures there is no blockage in the sanitary and/or storm sewer mains
- Concurrently On1Call dispatches Union Gas’ SSI Service Provider (multiVIEW) to complete a Sewer Safety Inspection locate. If cross bore exists or still inconclusive, Union Gas to excavate and remove gas line from sewer if deemed to be the issue
- Union Gas / multiVIEW provides verification that sewer line is clear of cross bores
- Haldimand County responds if required
After hours (evenings/weekends / statutory holidays):
- Property owner discovers a problem with either their sanitary or storm sewer lateral (i.e sewer back-up)
- Property owner contacts Haldimand County’s Afterhours Call Centre at 1 (888) 849 7345
- Call Centre instructs the property owner to call Ontario One Call at 1 (800) 400 2255 for a Sewer Safety Inspection (SSI). Call Centre will advise property owner that there will be a minimum after hours charge for Haldimand County staff to respond to clear the sewer once SSI has been completed. Call Centre contacts Haldimand County Water and Wastewater On-call Operator
- County staff ensure there is no blockage in the sanitary and/or storm sewer mains
- Concurrently On1Call dispatches Union Gas’ SSI Service Provider (multiVIEW) to investigate to complete a Sewer Safety Inspection locate. If cross bore exists or still inconclusive, Union Gas to excavate and remove gas line from sewer if deemed to be the issue
- Union Gas multiVIEW provides verification that sewer line is clear of cross bores
- Haldimand County responds if required
In all cases, County Staff waits until confirmation is received from Union Gas that no cross bores exist before attempting to clear any blocked lateral.