Pipelines are marked by above ground signs to provide an indication of their presence, location, product carried and the name and contact information of the company that operates the pipeline. Pipelines are located in areas called a right-of-way (ROW) and these ROWs are often recognizable as corridors that are clear of trees, buildings or other structures except for the pipeline markers. Sometimes ROWs may not have markers clearly present and may only be indicated by cleared corridors of land.
Pipeline markers are generally yellow, black and red in color. Below are examples of natural gas pipeline markers:
The primary function of these above ground markers is to identify the location of the pipeline generally as an alert to those who might be working along the pipeline corridor for another utility or during the construction of homes or businesses nearby.
Above ground signs have several functions. For example, a specific type marker allows identification of the pipeline for routine monitoring by airplanes and sometimes helicopters. Many pipeline operators fly their pipeline corridors regularly. Such surveillance is an important safety tool to ensure that unauthorized activities, including the use of excavation equipment that might damage the underground pipe, can be stopped.
Remember: If you plan to do any digging work, call 811 before you dig.