Sunshine 811 provides tools to reduce likelihood of damages and max federal fines up to $2 million
Effective July 1, 2017, Florida excavators will be required to call 911 to report any contact with an underground facility that results in the release of a natural gas or other hazardous material or substance regulated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA ) of the United States Department of Transportation.
The 911 provision was one of five specific amendments to the Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act, Chapter 556, Florida Statutes, effective July 1, 2017.
“You’re still required to stop excavation or demolition activities that may further damage the underground facility until the repair is complete,” explains Sunshine 811 Executive Director Mark Sweet. “It also does not change the existing requirement to notify member utilities immediately when you contact or damage a pipe, cable or its protective covering.” Read More….Florida Excavators Required to call 911 Effective July 1 2017