New digging regulations to go into effect

Starting on Nov. 1, new digging regulations will go into effect in Rhode Island.

Among the many new requirements is pre-marking.

“You just put a squared off area of where your intention is of digging. It tells the utility exactly where you’re going to be working so they have to mark within 15 feet of your proposed site,“ said Don Ledversis, Rhode Island Dig Safe Law compliance officer.

Each utility will need to be marked with a different color so that contractors know exactly what they’re dealing with. And instead of 48 hours, contractors will have to give utilities 72 hours before their digging begins.

“It behooves contractors and homeowners to plan ahead, understand when they’re going to get their excavation done and leave themselves plenty of time to have the Dig Safe ticket,“ said Tom Kogut of the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission.

The new regulations, which have been years in the making, bring Rhode Island in line with the other New England states in the Dig Safe Association.

“Contractors working across state borders will not have to juggle conflicting provisions in the Dig Safe law,“ Kogut said.

Also, under the regulations, there will be steeper fines for contractors who don’t comply with the new rules.

The PUC will still hold hearings on alleged violations. It will also offer contractors safety training.

“Contractors need to go through the laws completely, look at the safe digging techniques to make sure it wouldn’t happen again. It’s not really about the fines. It’s about being safe out there,“ said Kenneth McCarthy of the PUC.

When the rules aren’t followed problems can happen.

The PUC said a house exploded in 1996 when an unmarked gas line was hit. A few years ago, thousands of Rhode Islanders in the West Bay lost phone service when underground cables were hit.

Both are problems that officials hope the new rules will help avoid.

For information about Dig Safe call 1-888-DIG-SAFE.