Image Credit: Flickr / FortisBC

By Ashley Legassic

GAS LINE DAMAGES

Despite gas line damage this month, Kamloops ahead of the curve for digging safety

Jun 25, 2019 | 5:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — FortisBC customers in the Lower Sahali area were without service for part of Monday after a gas line was damaged on Arrowstone Drive.

Shortly before that, a natural gas line had been damaged in Juniper Ridge — a block away from a similar incident less than two weeks ago that led to the evacuation of a neighbourhood on Qu’Appelle Boulevard.

Despite these recent hiccups, FortisBC spokesperson Diana Sorace says Kamloops ranks best amongst medium-sized municipalities for the least amount of gas line damages.

“Kamloops has actually been making positive strides in the reduction of gas line damages,” Sorace says. “We have seen a significant decrease over the last decade, about 65 per cent decrease in gas line damages… Kamloops has a great track record and it ranks best for the fewest number of damages which is in comparison to other medium-sized municipalities. So we really hope that the community continues to be really mindful when doing any projects that involve digging.”

Sorace adds that a major reason for gas lines being damaged is companies or the public not calling before they dig, or failing to follow the proper instructions.

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“FortisBC does want to remind everyone to call before you dig because these incidents are preventable,” she says. “So we attended the damaged natural gas lines, we had those gas lines repaired, but one of the most important things we want to remind the public and anyone working and doing any type of excavation is that these are preventable incidents and to call or click BC One Call prior to doing any type of work underground.”

Call 1 (800) 474-6886 before you begin digging.