A total of 77 disciplinary actions were filed across the state in April for unsafe digging practices- including two in Butler County.
The first local violation occurred in Sept. 2018 when a homeowner in Zelienople was digging a trench due to flooding. Since it was a first offense, the homeowner received a warning. The second violation occurred in Nov. 2018 in Harrisville when McMurdy Trucking and Excavating was installing a storm sewer and hit a marked line. The company was fined $1,500.
The PA One Call Damage Prevention Committee is tasked with reducing the number of hits on underground utilities. This committee is part of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s independent Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement.
State law requires contractors and residents to contact PA One Call by dialing 8-1-1 at least three business days before an excavation so utilities can mark where lines are located.
According to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, some 6,000 hits are reported on underground facilities across the state each year and each pose a danger to contractors, utility workers and nearby residents. Not to mention they could spur service interruptions, environmental damage and costly repairs to damaged lines.
