PUC PA One Call Damage Prevention Committee Imposes $34,750 In Penalties For Violations

On May 25, the Public Utility Commission announced the PA One Call Damage Prevention Committee took a total of 102 disciplinary actions, including imposing $34,750 in administrative penalties against 52 underground facility owners, excavators and project owners in its latest enforcement actions at its May meeting. 

The DPC is tasked with enforcing the state’s Underground Utility Line Protection Act – also known as the “PA One Call Law.” Penalties are payable to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Commission will offset the costs of administering this program through the penalties collected.

Digging Safety – PA One Call

While underground lines are often “out of sight and out of mind,” every hit poses a risk to the contractors and homeowners who are doing the digging; to utility workers and emergency responders who are mobilized when lines are struck; and to bystanders who live, work or travel near the locations of the incidents. 

State law requires contractors and residents to contact PA One Call at least three business days prior to excavation – triggering alerts to all utilities within an intended digging area and prompting utilities to mark where their facilities are located. Pennsylvanians can dial 8-1-1 to connect with the One Call system, while out-of-state residents or businesses can call 1-800-242-1776.

When the PUC first took on the role of enforcing the state’s One Call Law, underground lines across the state were struck more than 6,000 times per year – but the situation continues to steadily improve, thanks to education, public awareness and enforcement.

For more information, visit the PUC’s Damage Prevention Committee webpage.

(Photo: What happens when a backhoe hits a natural gas gathering line.)

[Posted: May 25, 2021]  PA Environment Digest