Back to Blog

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

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/

You may also like...

YR 2024 capitol

Youth Scholarship Winners

Each year, OPALCO selects five San Juan County students to represent OPALCO at the Youth Rally and to receive $1000 for their post high school education. This year’s winners are: … Read more
IR Board

Driving Change: A Local Non-profit Provides EV Rides to Communities in Need

In 2013, two San Juan Islanders, Bob Reilly and Curt VanHyning, saw a desperate need for free or affordable transportation services in Friday Harbor for disabled and elderly members of … Read more
map

Quick Fact: Northwest Resource Adequacy in a Rapidly Decarbonizing World

Northwest regional load is projected to double by 2050 due to the electrification of transportation and heating, which account for most greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the region. This has … Read more