Media Release - Two Prosecutions for Toronto Pipeline Strikes (June 23, 2016)
Two Prosecutions for Toronto Pipeline Strikes
CP Systems and Midome Construction pled guilty to unsafe digging practices
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Toronto, ON, June 23, 2016) – The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) successfully prosecuted CP Systems, a Whitby excavator, and Midome Construction of Toronto for hitting two Toronto gas pipelines, contrary to the Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems Regulation (Ontario 210/01).
The Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto accepted guilty pleas from CP Systems and Midome Construction and fined each $7,500 plus the mandatory 25% victim fine surcharge for a total penalty of $9375 each.
“This was a near miss for a potentially deadly scenario,” said John Marshall, Director of TSSA’s Fuels Safety Program. “Hitting a pipeline with pressurized gas can cause explosions, damage and death, as well as disrupt businesses, residences and traffic. That’s why Ontario has stringent laws around pipeline safety, including a requirement to obtain a locate before breaking ground,” added Mr. Marshall.
In October 2015, a TSSA inspector received notice of a natural gas pipeline strike in Toronto, Ontario and determined the incident was caused by Midome Construction while installing a sub-drain pipe. In November 2015, TSSA received similar notice of another Toronto pipeline strike and determined the incident was caused by CP Systems while performing work on a water main. Both incidents left homes and businesses in the area without natural gas for hours.
Any excavation work must comply with Ontario’s safety laws, including obtaining a valid locate from the license holder or gas utility before breaking ground. Safe digging practices, including the requirement to hand dig within 1 metre of the locate mark, are required as any pipeline strike, regardless of a locate or not, will result in legal action.
Free locates can be obtained from Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 or visit http://on1call.com. Please note that the conditions of your locate and/or the proximity of your dig site to the gas main may dictate the supervisory presence of the gas provider.
Ontario Regulation 210/01 prohibits interfering with or damaging a pipeline and 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.
Full media release attached below.
