Gas pipeline protection and safety zone

A gas pipeline protection zone is the continuous space around gas equipment, measured horizontally from its footprint, that under Section 68 of the Czech Energy Act secures the safe and reliable operation of pipelines and service pipes. It arises directly by law on the day the permit for the project becomes final or, where no permit is required, when the equipment is put into operation. It ends when the equipment is permanently disconnected or the structure removed.

Protection zone widths

• pipelines and service pipes up to and including 4 bar, i.e. low and medium pressure: 1 m on each side within a municipality's built-up area, 2 m outside it,
• pipelines and service pipes above 4 up to 40 bar: 2 m on each side,
• pipelines above 40 bar: 4 m on each side,
• technological facilities such as regulating stations: 4 m from the facility.

The abbreviations NTL, STL and VTL are explained under gas pressure levels.

Safety zone

A safety zone is meant to prevent or mitigate the effects of a possible accident and to protect people's lives, health and property (Section 69). It applies only to equipment listed in the annex to the Energy Act; pipelines up to 4 bar have none. A building may be placed in it only with the operator's prior written consent.

• high-pressure pipelines and service pipes of 4 to 40 bar: 8 m up to DN 100, 10 m up to DN 300, 15 m up to DN 500, 20 m above DN 500,
• pipelines above 40 bar: 8 m up to DN 100, 15 m up to DN 300, 70 m up to DN 500, 110 m up to DN 700, 160 m above DN 700,
• high-pressure regulating stations: 10 m up to 40 bar, 20 m above 40 bar.

Safety zones set under earlier rules remain in place (Section 98(3)), so they may differ for older pipelines.

What applies inside the zone

• Buildings, earthworks, dumps and storing material in the protection zone require the operator's written consent and conditions (Section 68(4)).
• Trees and shrubs rooting deeper than 20 cm above the pipe may be planted within 2 m of the pipeline or service pipe axis only with the operator's consent (Section 68(6)).
• No one may damage gas equipment or endanger its operation, even outside the zone (Section 68(3)).

Frequently asked questions

How do I find where a gas pipeline runs?

Its position is shown in the distributor's statement on existing networks, for example from GasNet or EG.D, and in the regional digital technical map. Before earthworks the pipeline is marked out on site; GasNet does this free of charge on the basis of a valid statement.

Can I build a fence or pergola over a gas pipeline?

Within the protection zone every structure needs the pipeline operator's consent, including a minor structure that needs no building permit. The operator sets the conditions for building in its statement.