Excavator Responsibilities

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Created: Friday, 19 October 2018 10:25

Written by Lareina Taing

According to MN State Statute 216D, excavators are required to use white markings (paint, flags, whiskers, stakes, etc.) to define the entire proposed excavation area before filing a locate request, except where it can be shown it’s not practical. Once the excavation area is white-lined, contact Gopher State One Call (GSOC) 48 hours in advance, excluding weekends and holidays, before breaking ground. GSOC will then notify the affected facility operators who dispatch locators to mark their facility lines in the excavation area.

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Locating Positive Response Information

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Created: Friday, 19 October 2018 07:49

Written by Lareina Taing

Excavators have access to an easy-to-use online tool called Search & Status. Gopher State One Call (GSOC) recommends that users review it prior to commencing any excavation in the field. Using Search & Status, stakeholders can quickly find ticket and positive response information. With a few clicks, users can search the history or status of a ticket. You can also find specific tickets by narrowing your search criteria.

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I've Damaged a Utility Line. Now What?

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Created: Friday, 21 September 2018 09:41

Written by Lareina Taing

MN State Statue 216D defines “damage” as any impact to an underground facility. MN law requires that if damage occurs to an underground facility or its protective coating, the excavator shall promptly notify the affected facility operator. Only the facility operator is qualified to determine if damage requiring repair has in fact occurred.

Excavators are encouraged to follow these steps after contacting a utility line¹:

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A New Vehicle for Damage Prevention

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Created: Friday, 21 September 2018 09:20

Written by Lareina Taing

One Call Concepts, Inc. (OCC), notification service provider for Gopher State One Call (GSOC), and One Call Concepts Locating Services (OCCLS) are pleased to announce the release of a new icon for damage prevention: the 811 Trike. Built by Paul Jr. Designs (PJD) as the third OCC-commissioned 811 vehicle after the 811 Car and 811 Bike, the 811 Trike was unveiled on April 25th, 2018 at the OCC Corporate/ OCCLS office in Hanover, MD. In agreement with the Discovery Channel, the hit show “American Chopper” aired an episode on June 25th, 2018 showcasing the design, construction, and unveil of the new 811 vehicle.

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Visit GSOC at the 2018 MN State Fair!

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Created: Friday, 17 August 2018 15:38

Written by Lareina Taing

Planning to visit the “Great Minnesota Get-Together” this year? While you are getting your fix of fried food and amusement rides at the MN State Fair, make sure to stop by and visit the Gopher State One Call (GSOC) booth! We will be sharing the damage prevention message with fair-goers and distributing our wildly-popular GSOC yardsticks, along with other GSOC promotional items. Spin our wheel and land on an APWA color-coded utility to determine the color of the yardstick you’ll receive! However, you can skip the line by liking the GSOC Facebook page while at the fair. By liking our page, you’ll also be automatically entered to win an 811 goodie bag! You can find us in the Blue Flame Gas Association building on the west side of Nelson Street, between Dan Patch and Carnes Avenues (across from the Giant Slide) from August 23-September 3, 2018.

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