When doing end-of-season landscaping, Manitoba Hydro says there are a few things residents need to remember.
Media Relations Officer Peter Chura says it is important to check with Manitoba Hydro before you do any digging in your yard.
“You can go online to ClickBeforeYouDigMB.com and that will give you the option to let us know that you need a line locate done on your property. We'll make sure that you're not going to come in contact with any hydro or gas infrastructure when you're doing your digging.”
When working around your house, Chura notes residents should be careful around what they call a riser, which is the gas line that goes from your meter into the ground.
“That has a valve on it, which is really important. In an emergency if we need to shut the gas off at your place, we're going to need to get to that riser and that valve. So, if you're changing the grading, the landscaping around your house and piling rocks or dirt, don't cover up that riser or else you'll interfere with the access to that Valve.”
In addition, Chura says “If you're putting concrete or asphalt around it, take care to put a sleeve, something like some PVC pipe around the gas line so that if that concrete or asphalt shifts over the over time, it doesn't damage the line.”
Many people wait until fall to plant trees as they are more dormant and less likely to suffer from transplant shock. With that in mind Chura says you should consider Manitoba Hydro infrastructure before planting this fall.
“Before you plant a tree, just look up. If your tree looks like it's going to perhaps touch an overhead power line as it grows, find another location, plant trees a minimum of two meters back from where there's a power line and taller growing trees, things like willow, ash, maple, evergreen, at least 6 meters back from the power line.”
It may not seem like a problem now, but Chura says in a few years it could interfere with that power line and may need to be trimmed or perhaps even removed.
By and large, Chura says most residents are aware of what they need to do when it comes to Manitoba Hydro equipment, but these are still good reminders.
“You don't do landscaping every day or every year at your house, so you might not remember but if you are doing any of that kind of work around your house, it's just important to keep in mind that there's hydro and gas infrastructure that you don't want to block or interfere with and you don't want to damage it either.”