Emergency excavation notification requirements adopted

Senators passed a bill May 2 that amends the One Call notification provisions for natural gas utility operators.

Great Plains One Call Service is a system used by excavators to identify and locate underground facilities prior to excavation to protect the facilities from damage. A notice to the service center currently is required prior to performing an excavation or bar test survey.

Syracuse Sen. Dan Watermeier introduced LB589, which requires the operator to give such notice prior to an emergency excavation, but a facility location response will not be required to begin or continue excavation. The bill also provides immunity from civil penalties, except from strict liability for damage caused by either the bar testing or the repair excavation.

The bill passed on a 41-0 vote.