Locates are in and there's a yellow gas line painted right where my drain trench has to cross.

Stop. Do not trench within 18–24 inches of the paint marks. The paint indicates the approximate center; the pipe can be 18–24" off that line. Depth varies wildly.

Immediate steps:

1. Call the gas utility (811/One Call) for a "standby" or "spot locate." They must physically expose (pothole) the line at your crossing point before you dig. This is usually free.
2. Hand-dig (pothole) perpendicular to the marks to find the actual pipe only if you are qualified and company policy allows. Use a rounded shovel; no picks, bars, or mechanized equipment within the tolerance zone (typically 18–24" either side of marks, per CGA Best Practices 5.02 / State One-Call laws).
3. Once exposed: Verify material (PE plastic vs. coated steel), diameter, and depth.
4. Crossing requirements (per PHMSA 49 CFR 192.325 / AGA / Local Code): Minimum 12" vertical separation (prefer 18"+). Cross at 90° (or as close as practical). Support the gas line if your trench undermines it (sand bags / foam blocks). Backfill crossing with clean sand/pea gravel (6" bed, 12" cover) — no native soil/rocks against the gas pipe. Protect tracer wire:* Do not cut; loop slack in your trench.

If the gas line is shallow (<24" cover) or conflicts on grade: Stop. You likely need the utility to lower/relocate it. Do not attempt to bend or move it yourself.

Liability: You own the damage if you hit it without a verified expose. Get the locate ticket number and standby confirmation in writing.

You must not dig within 18 inches of a marked gas line without hand-exposing it first — this is a federal and state safety requirement under 49 CFR § 192.614 (Damage Prevention Program) and enforced by state “Call Before You Dig” (811) laws.

Action steps:

1. Stop trenching immediately at the yellow paint line.
2. Hand-expose the gas line using a shovel or vacuum excavator to visually confirm its exact location, depth, and condition. Do not use power equipment within 18 inches of the marked line.
3. Once exposed, you may cross over or under the line — but never crush, nick, or stress it. - If crossing over: Maintain at least 6 inches of clearance between the bottom of your drain trench and the top of the gas line. Use sand or fine gravel as bedding to avoid point loads. - If crossing under: Dig a trench at least 12 inches below the gas line (deeper if local code requires more — check with your utility). Again, use sand bedding and avoid sharp rocks or debris.
4. Backfill carefully in 6-inch lifts, tamping lightly around the line — never drop heavy fill or equipment directly on it.
5. Mark the crossing on your as-builts and notify the gas utility if you suspect any damage — even a small nick can lead to a leak.

Never assume depth or location — paint marks are approximate. Gas lines can shift due to frost, soil movement, or prior work. If you’re unsure, call the gas utility — they may send a locator to verify or even supervise the crossing for free. Do not proceed without hand-exposure. A ruptured gas line risks explosion, fire, injury, and costly fines — and you’re liable.

Stay safe: When in doubt, dig by hand.