On January 3, the Public Utility Commission announced the PA One Call Damage Prevention Committee this month filed disciplinary action against 42 facility owners, excavators and project owners during its second meeting in Harrisburg.

Click Here for a list of the actions taken.

PA One Call is designed to prevent damage to underground utilities and pipelines by excavation and construction activities.

The 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.”

Modeled after successful programs in other states, the focus of the committee is a reduction in the number of “hits” on underground utilities.

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

The next meeting of the Committee is on February 12 in Hearing Room 1 of the Keystone Building in Harrisburg starting at 9:00.

Nominees

The PUC is currently accepting nominations for individuals to serve on the DPC. More information and the nomination form are available on the PUC’s website. The PUC will accept nominations until January 18 for DPC representatives from each of the following industries:

-- Non-municipally owned or affiliated facility owner industries – including telephone and cable television – nominated by facility owners or affiliated organizations (two positions); and

-- Excavators – nominated by excavators or affiliated organizations (one position).

For more information, visit the PUC’s PA One Call Damage Prevention Committee webpage.  Questions should be directed to Paul Metro by calling 717-787-6382 or send email to: pmetro@pa.gov.

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

[Posted: Jan. 3, 2019]

1/7/2019