Damage Prevention
Due to the danger of hitting a pipeline or other utility, anyone digging more than 12 inches deep needs to call the Utility Locator Service (811) to have all utilities accurately located and marked. It is the law in Washington. This is a free service. Do not assume you know where utilities are. Activities like digging postholes for a fence or mailbox, installing a real estate sign, or planting a tree, can end up damaging or rupturing a pipeline. Usually construction of buildings and other permanent structures (swimming pools, anchored play equipment, patios, fences etc.) are not allowed on pipeline right-of-ways (see below) because of possible damage to the pipeline and interference with the pipeline company's ability to inspect and maintain the pipeline.
Make sure that you or any contractors working on your property use the One-Call Service. Maps and drawings can be off by several feet. McChord Pipeline Co. maintains membership in the regional One-Call System. They can be contacted at 811. For information regarding One-Call please see www.callbeforeyoudig.org/washington/.
The pipeline is formally patrolled one time per week. The pipeline is patrolled many additional times through pipeline inspector responses to pipeline locate requests. Above ground markers clearly show the location of the pipeline right-of-way. If you observe someone performing work on the pipeline right-of-way without an inspector present or any unusual conditions, please call us at the 24-hour emergency phone number 253-593-6085. Personnel from McChord Pipeline Co. are available at all times to respond to a pipeline emergency.
Right-of-Ways When a pipeline is first constructed the pipeline owner obtains a contract with the property owner allowing them to use the land for their pipeline. These contracts are referred to as easements, or right-of-ways. There are no standard right-of-way agreements, so the width and terms of the right-of-way can vary from property to property. It is very important that landowners review their right-of-way contracts to clearly understand what both the pipeline company and the landowner are and are not allowed to do within the right-of-way. It is also important to recognize that many utilities and pipelines are located in the street easement adjacent to the property. This is true for a majority of the McChord Pipeline route.
Contractor/excavator Information
Support and cooperation from companies and utilities performing work along our pipeline right-of-way is necessary to ensure the safety of the public and protection of the environment. Above ground markers clearly show the location of the pipeline right-of-way.
Anyone who intends to perform excavation or boring work more than one foot deep, must notify potentially affected utilities two (2) working days before work is to start. The law requires it. Fortunately the process is easy and free to do. This can be done by calling the Utilities Underground Location Center at 811 and submitting a locate request. There is no cost for this service. A representative from McChord Pipeline Co. will contact you to let you know whether the pipeline is in the work area and will mark the pipeline location. If required, our inspectors will observe the excavation. Our pipeline should not be disturbed in any way without safeguards.
Third-party damage is one of the greatest risks for damage to underground pipelines. Above ground markers clearly show the above ground right-of-way. If you observe someone performing work on the pipeline right-of-way without an inspector present or any unusual conditions, please call us at the 24-hour emergency phone number 253-593-6085. Your assistance can further ensure the safety of the McChord Pipeline. If you notice any unusual conditions, e.g., the presence of oil, shifting ground, or soil subsidence (sinkholes) near the pipeline, please call the same emergency number.
A map showing the pipeline route can be found on this website.
A routing map showing the pipeline location in the Air Force Base is available from the McChord Pipeline Co. upon request for any contractor or Joint Base Lewis-McChord agencies to alert them of the potential impacts associated with work inside the AFB.
A representative from the McChord Pipeline Co. would gladly come and talk to your organization to provide training regarding the pipeline. Additional information is available by contacting McChord Pipeline Co. directly at 253-593-6085.
Emergency Information
In case of an emergency call
253-593-6085 or 911 7 days a week
If you suspect a leak
- LEAVE the area immediately and warn others in immediate area. Call 911. Do not use cell phone near the leak. Call well away from the area (cell phones can ignite airborne gases).
- DO NOT turn electrical switches on or off (these can also ignite airborne gases).
- DO NOT strike a match or create a flame.
- DO NOT drive into or make contact with liquid from leak or vapor cloud.
Call if you observe any emergency situation, digging or other unusual activity around the pipeline. 253-593-6085