Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Utility Cross Bore Safety Program - Haldimand County

Utility Cross Bore Safety Program

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.

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.):

  1. Property owner discovers a problem with either their sanitary or storm sewer lateral (i.e. sewer back-up)
  2. 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
  3. County staff ensures there is no blockage in the sanitary and/or storm sewer mains
  4. 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
  5. Union Gas / multiVIEW provides verification that sewer line is clear of cross bores
  6. Haldimand County responds if required

 

After hours (evenings/weekends / statutory holidays):

    1. Property owner discovers a problem with either their sanitary or storm sewer lateral (i.e sewer back-up)
    2. Property owner contacts Haldimand County’s Afterhours Call Centre at 1 (888) 849 7345
    3. 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
    4. County staff ensure there is no blockage in the sanitary and/or storm sewer mains
    5. 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
    6. Union Gas multiVIEW provides verification that sewer line is clear of cross bores
    7. 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.