Back to Blog

NEW CALL-BEFORE-YOU-DIG LAW: INCREASED OVERSIGHT AND PENALTIES

Posted in Outages

Utilities, excavators and the public are all affected by a new call-before-you-dig law that includes more rigorous enforcement, mandatory damage reporting and higher penalties.

The intent of the law is to improve communication between utilities and excavators/homeowners and decrease damage to underground utilities. The new law requires excavators to:

  • outline the proposed dig in white paint prior to calling for a locate;
  • make arrangements with the affected utilities when projects exceed 700 linear feet; and
  • maintain locate marks for 45 days, after which a new locate must be requested.

Excavators and utilities must report to the UTC any damage to underground facilities within 45 days. Previously, only damage to regulated natural gas and hazardous liquids had to be reported.   A party that fails to request a locate and damages a liquid or gas transmission pipeline will be subject to a $10,000 penalty and may be found guilty of a misdemeanor.

Always CALL 811 before you dig.

Learn more: www.opalco.com/power-information/electrical-safety/

Related Posts

View all blog entries

You may also like...

eplane

Quiet, Clean, Connected

Transportation in San Juan County shapes the future of the islands San Juan County faces a transportation paradox. Visitors come for the islands’ pristine beauty and tranquility, yet the ways … Read more
coop month

October is National Co-op Month!

Celebrate cooperative values with OPALCO As a member of Orcas Power & Light Cooperative, you’re not only receiving service from the co-op—you’re also an owner. Cooperatives are not-for-profit, member-owned and … Read more
island way

OPALCO Renewable Energy Community Meetings Recap

A few weeks ago, the OPALCO team held a series of community meetings about local, renewable energy. The meetings were held at all three major islands to engage co-op members … Read more