The Public Utility Commission Wednesday announced it is seeking nominations for individuals to serve on the PUC’s PA One Call utility and pipeline Damage Prevention Committee, which is a key element of new PUC efforts to safeguard underground utilities across the state.

Creation of the committee was authorized by Act 50 of 2017, which enhances Pennsylvania’s Underground Utility Line Protection Act-- also known as the “One Call Law” – which will be enforced by the PUC.

The DPC will meet regularly to review alleged violations of the Act and make determinations as to the appropriate response including, but not limited to, the issuance of warning letters or administrative penalties.

Modeled after successful programs in other states, the focus of the committee – and the broader PUC enforcement provisions of the One Call Law – is a reduction in the number of “hits” on underground utilities. T

here are approximately 6,000 hits per year reported on underground lines across the state, each resulting in added risks to contractors, utility workers and bystanders. The goal of the PUC’s enforcement program is to cut the number of incidents by 50 percent over the next five years.

In accordance with Act 50, membership on the DPC is comprised of a spectrum of organizations, including: non-municipal owned or affiliated facility owner industries, such as the electric, natural gas or petroleum pipelines, telephone, water or wastewater and cable television industries; excavators; municipal governments; and municipal authorities.

Appointments to the DPC will begin in 2018.

DPC nominations will be accepted until January 19. Nomination forms and instructions are available on the PUC website.

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

NewsClips:

Chester County Lawmakers: Mariner East 2 Pipeline Construction Must Stop

Maykuth: Sunoco Resolves Mariner East 2 Pipeline Dispute With PUC

PUC Ends Injunction Against Mariner East 2 Pipeline In Chester County

Crable: FERC Orders Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline To Fix Noise, Lighting Problems

Op-Ed: What Happens When A Pipeline Is Built In Your Backyard

FERC, Saying Much Has Changed, Will Review Natural Gas Pipeline Policy

FERC To Review Federal Pipeline Approval Process

FERC Announces Pipeline Review, Cyber, Fast-Start Reforms

Related Story:

Sen. Baker’s Natural Gas Pipeline Safety, PA One Call Bill Signed Into Law

[Posted: Dec. 20, 2017]

12/25/2017