49 CFR Part 196

49 CFR Part 196

Protection of Underground Pipelines From Excavation Activity

This part establishes requirements to protect underground pipelines from excavation damage. It covers general provisions, damage prevention requirements, and an administrative enforcement process.

§ 196.1

What is the purpose and scope of this part?

This part sets the minimum duties excavators must follow to protect underground pipelines from excavation-related damage and establishes an enforcement process for violations.

§ 196.3 “Damage”

Damage (or excavation damage) means any digging activity that weakens, partially destroys, or completely destroys a pipeline – including the pipe itself, its coatings, supports, cathodic protection, or housing – so that the pipeline needs to be repaired or replaced.

§ 196.3 “Excavation”

Plain-language summary:

Excavation means excavation activities as defined in 49 CFR 192.614, and includes all digging whether done with machines or by hand (including hand tools).

§ 196.3 “One-call”

"One-call" is a notification system that lets someone planning to dig notify pipeline operators so the operators can locate and mark any pipelines in the area where the digging will happen.