Before any methane testing drilling can begin, underground utilities must be identified and marked to prevent potentially dangerous damage to gas lines, electrical conduits, water mains, and sewer lines. This guide explains the utility clearance process and what you can expect before your methane test proceeds.

The Importance of Utility Clearance

Methane testing requires drilling boreholes to depths of 20 feet or more. At these depths, drilling equipment can easily strike and damage underground utilities. The consequences of hitting an underground line can be severe: High methane level consequences can include environmental damage and potential health risks for nearby communities. Furthermore, the release of methane gas contributes to climate change, making the stakes of drilling safety even higher. Addressing these issues requires careful planning and adherence to safety protocols to mitigate risks associated with methane exposure. The midwilshire methane zone analysis highlights the critical need for thorough evaluation before any drilling activities commence. Understanding the geological characteristics and existing infrastructure in this area is essential to prevent accidents. Additionally, ongoing monitoring of methane levels will ensure that any potential hazards are identified and addressed promptly, safeguarding both the environment and public health.

Striking a gas line can cause explosion or fire hazards, requiring emergency response and potentially evacuating surrounding properties. Hitting an electrical line can electrocute drill operators and cause power outages. Damaging water mains can flood the site and disrupt service to neighboring properties. Breaking sewer lines creates environmental contamination and health hazards.

Beyond safety concerns, utility damage creates liability exposure, project delays, and repair costs that far exceed the modest investment required for proper clearance procedures.

DigAlert: California’s Underground Service Alert

DigAlert, officially the Underground Service Alert of Southern California, is a nonprofit organization funded by utility companies to coordinate underground utility marking before excavation activities. California law requires notification to DigAlert at least two working days before any digging or drilling. As excavation activities increase, it is vital for workers to adopt underground excavation safety strategies to minimize risks and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Implementing these strategies not only protects workers but also safeguards underground utilities from accidental damage. By prioritizing safety during excavation, teams can maintain operational efficiency while adhering to legal requirements.

How the DigAlert Process Works

Your methane testing agency submits a notification to DigAlert with your property address, planned work area, and scheduled drilling dates. DigAlert forwards the notification to all member utilities with facilities in the area. Each utility company has two working days to respond by sending a locator to mark their facilities. Locators use paint, flags, or stakes to mark utility locations using standardized color codes. Your testing agency verifies that all expected utilities have been marked before proceeding.

Understanding Utility Marking Colors

Utility locators use a standardized color system: Red indicates electric power lines and conduits. Yellow marks gas, oil, steam, or petroleum facilities. Orange identifies communication lines including telephone and cable. Blue shows potable water lines. Green marks sewer and drain lines. Purple indicates reclaimed water.

Your testing agency will review the markings and plan drilling locations to avoid all marked utilities.

Limitations of Standard DigAlert Service

While DigAlert is highly effective for marking utility company facilities, the service has limitations that may affect your project:

Private Utilities Are Not Included

DigAlert only marks facilities owned by member utility companies. Private utilities on your property such as irrigation lines, private electrical runs, on-site drainage systems, and fuel storage connections are not marked through DigAlert.

Accuracy Limitations

Utility markings indicate approximate locations, typically accurate to within 24 inches. For drilling very close to marked utilities, additional verification may be needed.

Historical or Abandoned Utilities

Abandoned utilities that are no longer in service may not be marked, but they can still create drilling hazards or damage concerns.

When Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is Required

Ground Penetrating Radar uses electromagnetic waves to detect subsurface features including utilities, voids, and buried objects. GPR surveys may be required or advisable in several situations:

Complex Sites with Multiple Utilities

Properties with numerous utility crossings benefit from GPR verification to supplement DigAlert markings and identify any utilities that may not have been marked.

Unclear Utility Records

When historical records are incomplete or property has changed ownership multiple times, GPR helps identify utilities that may not be documented.

High-Risk Areas

Properties near major utility corridors or with known high-pressure gas lines may require GPR as an additional safety measure.

LADBS or Agency Requirements

In some cases, LADBS or your testing agency may require GPR surveys based on site conditions or previous incidents in the area.

What to Expect During GPR Survey

If GPR is required for your project, a technician will visit your property with portable scanning equipment. The GPR unit looks similar to a lawn mower and is pushed across the ground surface. The technician scans the planned drilling area and marks any detected subsurface features.

GPR surveys typically take one to four hours depending on property size and complexity. Results are provided as marked locations on site and often a written report documenting findings.

Cost Implications of Utility Clearance

Standard DigAlert Coordination

Most testing agencies include basic DigAlert notification and coordination in their standard testing fee. The DigAlert service itself is free, funded by utility companies. Agency time to submit notifications and verify markings is typically included.

GPR Survey Costs

When GPR is required, expect additional costs ranging from $500 to $2,000 depending on property size and survey scope. Some agencies provide GPR services in-house while others subcontract to specialty firms.

Avoiding Utility-Related Delays

Allow adequate time for the utility clearance process when scheduling your methane test. Rushing this phase can lead to missed utilities and potential damage incidents.

Property Owner Responsibilities

While your testing agency handles most utility clearance tasks, property owners can help ensure smooth progress by providing information about any private utilities on the property, identifying any previous excavation or construction that may have affected utilities, ensuring site access for utility locators and GPR technicians, and informing the testing agency of any known utility concerns.

If you know of utilities not likely to be in DigAlert records, share this information with your testing agency before clearance begins.

Questions About Utility Clearance?

Sway Features handles all utility clearance coordination as part of our comprehensive testing service. We work with DigAlert, utility locators, and GPR providers as needed to ensure safe drilling conditions before any equipment touches your property.