The Critical Role of Risk Analysis in Ground Disturbance

Jordan Inkster  – Sr Analyst, Damage Prevention & Public Awarenes, Pembina Pipeline Corperation

Ground disturbance work is essential for construction, maintenance and repairs, but it also carries significant safety, environmental and operational risks. To protect workers, the public and vital infrastructure, the Ground Disturbance Standard of Pembina Pipeline Corporation (Pembina) requires that all excavation activities undergo a formal Ground Disturbance Risk Analysis during the planning stage. This process is an important safeguard that informs the precautions, supervision and work methods needed for safe excavations. 

Why Risk Analysis Matters 

Striking a pipeline or an underground utility can result in severe consequences like product release, fire, explosion, environmental harm, service outages and even loss of life. A risk analysis ensures hazards are identified early, enabling project teams to develop targeted controls and select the safest excavation methods. Pembina uses a Ground Disturbance Risk Analysis Checklist to determine whether the planned activity is classified as high or low risk. This classification directly influences safety planning, resource allocation and regulatory compliance.

Low-Risk Ground Disturbance

Low-risk activities are those where hazards can be effectively managed through standard precautions and direct supervision. The goal is to prevent accidental strikes by maintaining awareness of the facility’s exact location at all times. These may include situations where:

• Facilities are easily located and confirmed via soft excavation.
• No significant congestion of underground utilities is present.
• The excavation occurs in areas with up to date and accurate records. 

High-Risk Ground Disturbance

High-risk activities demand enhanced controls due to greater uncertainty, complexity, or proximity to critical infrastructure. Common high-risk scenarios include:

• Work within facilities, congested areas or Basic Area Reservoir (BAR) ditches where multiple utilities are clustered.
• Excavations where records are incomplete, conflicting or unverified.
• Conditions where utilities cannot be easily identified during pre-excavation checks.

High-risk procedures go beyond standard requirements:

• Slot trenching around the excavation zone to locate all buried utilities.
• Soft excavation to a depth at least 1 m below the deepest planned work area (or below typical asset depth where full exposure isn’t practical).
• Additional sweeps, utility confirmations and, in some cases, pilot holes for posts or piles near buried facilities.

These measures drastically reduce the probability of striking unknown or inaccurately located infrastructure. 

Risk-Based Decision-Making

The Ground Disturbance Risk Analysis is not a “checkbox” exercise, it’s a decision-making tool that shapes the entire project approach. Classifying ground disturbance activities as high or low risk through structured analysis is essential to safe pipeline operations. It ensures that every excavation, whether a simple maintenance dig or a complex urban trench, receives the right level of control and oversight. By embedding this process into the planning stage, Pembina has been able to strengthen its culture of safety, environmental stewardship and operational reliability. 

Learn more about Safety at Pembina.