Global Ground Disturbance - Level II

Ground disturbance is a complex subject with each jurisdiction having varied opinions, rules, and penalties for damaging an underground facility. There is no confusion, however, on the fact that damage to underground facilities can lead to disastrous repercussions.

What exactly is a Ground Disturbance? Part of the in-depth knowledge is a full understanding of the legislation and not just the general overview provided in an Awareness program. Starting at the beginning, we will go into greater detail of the legislation, which defines a ground disturbance as:

"[A]ny work, operation or activity that results in a disturbance of the earth, including, without limitation, excavating, digging, trenching, plowing, drilling, tunneling, auguring, backfilling, blasting, topsoil stripping, land leveling, peat removing, quarrying, clearing and grading, but does not include,
(i) except as otherwise provided in subclause (ii), a disturbance of the earth to a depth of less than 30 centimeters (1 ft.) that does not result in a reduction of the earth cover over the pipeline to a depth that is less than the cover provided when the pipeline was installed,
(ii) cultivation to a depth of less than 45 centimeters (1.5 ft.) below the surface of the ground, or,
(iii) any work, operation or activity that is specified in the Regulations not to be a ground disturbance."
[Pipeline Act, 1 (e.1)]

This is an 8 hour course that will cover all aspects of ground disturbance. A written exam at the end of the course will entitle the applicant to a 3 year Certification in Ground Disturbance - Level II.