Washington, DC – A resolution addressing excavation damage prevention was adopted by state utility regulators at annual convention this week, according to the American Gas Association (AGA).
The resolution was adopted by the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC).
“NARUC is to be commended for their efforts on this important issue," said Kyle Rogers, AGA managing director of government relations. "Excavation damage is the number one cause of incidents to pipelines. It is a significant step to have NARUC leading this effort to call on state commissions to review their current excavation damage prevention programs and make improvements.”
The resolution calls for the incorporation of nine elements into state pipeline safety regulations and/or laws. Thru the Excavation Damage Prevention Initiative, stakeholders produced “Guide to the 9 Elements.” This would provide guidance to stakeholders, state legislatures, and state commissions working to incorporate the nine elements into their states existing damage prevention programs. This guide will now serve as the baseline for improving current programs.