Excavator & Contractor    Appropriate Techniques for Digging Near A Pipeline Consider the following digging methods when excavating near a pipeline: hand digging, soft digging, vacuum excavation methods and pneumatic hand tools. These methods decrease the likelihood of damage to the pipeline during excavation. Hand digging and non-invasive methods are not required for pavement removal. An Explorer Pipeline representative will be on site while you work near our facilities and can help you select the most appropriate digging method. Alert Explorer if work crews will be crossing the right-of-way with motorized equipment or vehicles.