FAQs

The majority of Epic Energy’s pipelines are located beneath the ground.

We have markers signs at regular intervals along the entire length of our pipelines.

No. Marker signs are a guide only and provide an indication of where the pipeline is buried. They do not show the exact location of buried pipes.

We do not provide maps of our pipelines without first discussing the nature of the request or potential work to be undertaken. It is essential you lodge your project via Before You Dig Australia. Alternatively, you can contact us if you’re planning to carry out any work on or near the pipeline on 08 8343 8100.

If you live or work near our pipelines, Epic is committed to helping you understand any potential dangers or safety risks, and how to mitigate them.

This includes ensuring you can recognise a potential problem with the pipeline, are aware of the dangers when digging near the pipeline and equipped to act in an emergency situation.

Our Pipeline Awareness team will make regular contact with you, both via mail and in person. Our Field Maintenance Officers also regularly patrol the pipeline, please feel free to approach them with any concerns or questions you may have.

If you would like a more in-depth discussion, please contact us on 08 8343 8100 and our Pipeline Awareness Officer will be in touch to organise a time and place that suits you. This is a free service.

Accidental damage is one of the biggest risks for anyone living or working near one of our pipelines. Many activities that interfere with the soil around our pipeline carry the potential to damage the pipeline and may result in a rupture of the pipeline and/or a gas leak.

Yes. We care about your safety. To initiate the approval, we recommend you lodge your project with Before You Dig Australia. Much of our 1200 km of pipeline is underground, and accidental damage poses a real risk to you.

Yes. You have a legal obligation to contact us, and we want you to be safe at all times. Our pipelines are buried underground at various depths which can change over time due to nature and human activity. Activities on the easement must be monitored by Epic Energy to avoid rupturing the pipeline or damaging its protective coating. An Epic Energy representative will visit your work site to determine the exact location and depth of the pipeline and will supervise the works to completion.

Please contact Before You Dig Australia to lodge your inquiry. Once we have received your details, we will assess your proposed work and will arrange for a representative to visit the proposed work sites to determine the exact location and depth of its buried pipe. Epic will provide advice on precautions required to ensure the safety of people working at the proposed work site, and to prevent pipeline damage while work is being carried out.

It is essential to contact Epic Energy if you’re planning to carry out any of the following work on, or near, the pipeline:

• Fencing
• Grading
• Digging
• Drilling
• Trenching
• Construction – development, housing, roadworks (temporary and access ways) etc.
• Drainage work
• Use of explosives
• Land levelling or contouring
• Use of vibrating machinery
• Transporting heavy loads
• Planting vegetation

It is also important to notify Epic Energy if there is any soil erosion near the pipeline easement or unauthorised activity on or near the pipeline easement.

You will receive a written notification that we have received your Before You Dig Australia inquiry. Further contact will depend on the nature of your inquiry and will be either in writing or by phone.

If you have contractors doing work near a pipeline easement, they must contact Before You Dig Australia to avoid damaging the pipeline. If required, we will liaise directly with your contractors to ensure the right precautions are taken and will supervise works at all times. It is your responsibility as the landholder to ensure your contractor complies with our requirements.

There are penalties for non-approved work on our easement. Furthermore, Epic is obligated to report any unauthorised activity on our pipelines to the governing authority.

Most importantly, you, or someone you love, may be seriously injured or killed if you work on our easement without our approval. We are committed to doing our very best to ensure your safety, but we cannot do it alone. Please contact us and help us keep you safe.

Despite all precautions, leaks may occur from a pipeline system. Any of the following events along the pipeline easement could indicate a pipeline leak.

• A hissing or roaring sound
• Any unusual odour near the pipeline
• Dead or discoloured vegetation in an otherwise green location
• Fire
• Fly or insect swarms

If you know or suspect that a gas pipeline is leaking or damaged:

• Your safety is the first priority.
• Leave the area immediately.
• Avoid creating sparks – do not use vehicles, mobile phones, cameras, cigarettes, matches or lighters that could ignite the gas.
• Immediately notify Epic Energy on the Pipeline Emergency free call number: 1800 625 665. This number is completely free to call and available 24 hours a day, every day of the week. Give your name, telephone number, and a description of the leak and its location.
• Call the police if you do not know who operates the pipeline.