Ottawa, Canada contractor strikes 11 gas lines over 15-month span during tunnel, pipeline work

(UI) — Thomas Cavanagh Construction Limited has pleaded guilty to five safety violations after damaging multiple gas lines during a series of tunnel and pipeline upgrade projects in Ottawa.

The company struck 11 gas lines between March 2023 and July 2024 while working under contract for the City of Ottawa. According to the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), the company had accurate locates and maps but failed to follow safety regulations that prohibit the use of mechanical excavators within one meter of a gas line. Instead of using hand digging or hydro excavation methods, crews used heavy machinery near the pipelines, resulting in gas outages for six homes and a retail mall.

“Using heavy machinery for excavation near pipelines is unsafe, as reflected in our safety regulations, and this case has proven that,” said Owen Kennedy, Director of Fuels at TSSA. “It is important to be cautious when digging because unsafe practices can put many people at risk of losing heat, hot water, and the ability to prepare meals. In the most serious cases, it can lead to explosions that cause property damage, injuries, or even loss of life.”

The Ontario Court of Justice imposed a $100,000 fine and a 25% victim surcharge on Cavanagh Construction.

TSSA is reminding all contractors and homeowners to contact Ontario One Call before digging to locate underground infrastructure such as gas, hydro, and telecom lines. Any damaged lines or leaks should be reported immediately to the Ministry of the Environment’s Spills Action Centre or TSSA.

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