40-360.24. Notice of damage to underground facility

A. In the event of any damage that results in a release from any underground facility that transports natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, liquefied natural gas, petroleum products or any other hazardous gases or liquids in connection with any excavation, the person responsible for the excavation operations shall immediately notify the underground facilities operator and 911 or the local emergency response agency.

B. In the event of any damage to or dislocation of any underground facility or detectible underground location device in connection with any excavation the person responsible for the excavation operations shall immediately notify the underground facilities operator and shall not attempt any repair to the damaged facility or device except the temporary emergency repairs allowed by this section.

C. Temporary emergency repairs shall not be made by an excavator to a public utility's or municipal corporation's natural gas, electric, propane, hazardous liquid, communication, cable television system or video service network, sewer system, wastewater or water facilities without the consent of the underground facilities operator.

D. The excavation shall be left open until the arrival of representatives of the underground facilities operator. On receipt of notice, the underground facilities operator shall dispatch its representatives promptly, but in no event later than two working days, to examine the underground facility and, if necessary, effect repairs. Unless it would interfere with compliance with commission rules or requirements regarding maintenance or restoration of service and repair of facilities, the underground facilities operator shall immediately respond to a notification for emergencies involving injury or damage.