2024 Changes to Oregon Dig Rules Proposed
The Oregon Utility Notification Center (OUNC) adopts rules that regulate the notification and marking of underground facilities to prevent damage to underground facilities. We want you to know about seven rule changes being proposed in 2024:
- Reducing ticket length from 45 days to 30 days. [amends OAR 952-001-0010 (23)]
- Adding hand digging, air cutting, vacuum excavation or hydro vacuum excavation to the definition of “non-invasive methods.” [amends OAR 952-001-0010]
- Defining “large area” as a project exceeding seven hundred fifty linear feet. [amends OAR 952-001-0010 (10)]
- Allowing for the use of electronic white lining. [amends OAR 952-001-0040]
- Working within a facility enclosure exempted from notification requirement. [amends OAR 952-001-0050 (2)]
- Clarifying design locate request process, delivery of drawings and maps owned by facility operators during planning. [amends OAR 952-001-0080]
- Specifying recruitment partners for OUNC board. [adds OAR 952-001-0002]
As a part of the rulemaking process, the OUNC will welcome written or in person testimony on these proposed rule changes. A public hearing will be announced soon. If you have questions or need additional information, contact us at [email protected].
Update: 8/7/24
Written comments on the proposed changes have been invited since January 1, 2024, and public comment was welcomed at the OUNC Board Meeting on July 18, 2024. Members will vote on the proposed changes at the OUNC Board Meeting on October 17, 2024, and approved rule changes will take effect on January 1, 2025. If you have questions or need additional information, contact us at [email protected].
Safe Digging Month Reminds Oregonians to Contact 811 Before Digging
Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 5, 2023
pdf for download
Contacts: Josh Thomas, OUNC Executive Director
[email protected], (503) 317-5007
Kandi Young, PUC Public Information Officer
[email protected], (503) 551-5290
Aaron Corvin, Oregon OSHA Public Information Officer
[email protected], (971) 718-6973
SAFE DIGGING MONTH REMINDS OREGONIANS TO CONTACT 811 BEFORE DIGGING
SALEM, Ore. – In recognition of National Safe Digging Month, the Oregon Utility Notification Center (OUNC), Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA), and Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) remind Oregonians to contact 811 before starting projects that require digging.
Whether a professional contractor or do-it-yourselfer, all play an important role in preventing damage to underground utilities. No matter how big or small a project, contact Oregon 811 to avoid life-threatening injuries and prevent costly damage to necessary utility services. There are three easy steps to safe digging in Oregon:
- Submit a locate request at least two business days before starting a digging project at Oregon811.com or by calling 811.
- Wait for utilities to mark the underground lines.
- Dig carefully, paying close attention to the marks.
Once a locate request is made, the OUNC, which operates the free 811 one-call center, notifies the utility companies that serve the area of the planned project. Utility personnel then visit the project site to mark the approximate location of the underground lines, pipes, and cables in the planned digging area at no cost to the homeowner or employer.
Meanwhile, employers must follow Oregon OSHA requirements to protect workers against the potential hazards of underground utilities. Those requirements include:
- Notifying OUNC of the proposed area of excavations at least two working days before starting an excavation.
- Estimating the location of utilities before opening or extending an excavation.
- Determining by safe and acceptable means, the exact location of the estimated utility installations when excavation activities approach them.
- While excavations are open, underground installations must be protected, supported, or removed as necessary to safeguard employees.
Thank you, Ryan Sandhu, for 8 years as Board Member!
Ryan Sandhu served as an OUNC Board Member from February 2014 until June 2022, representing Special Districts. He was the Chair for the Executive Director’s Selection Committee, an active member with Publicity, Enforcement, Budget & Audit, and the Board of Directors Secretary for four years.
Ryan’s constant professionalism and skillful communication has been cherished as he helped guide many members while they made tough decisions over the years. His contributions not only increased the strength of the board, but the overall damage prevention effort in Oregon as well. Thank you, Ryan.
Oregonians Urged to Contact 811 Before Digging
Contact: Josh Thomas, Executive Director, Oregon Utility Notification Center
503-317-5007 | [email protected]
This Thursday, August 11 (8/11), is National 811 Day. Also known as National Safe Digging Day, the observance exists to raise awareness about contacting 811 before beginning a digging or excavation project. The Oregon Utility Notification Center, which oversees the statewide call or click before you dig program, is reminding Oregonians that using the free service can save money and lives.
“None of us have x-ray vision to see underground utilities before breaking ground, and we know there are a lot of construction and home improvement projects happening this time of year,” said Josh Thomas, Executive Director of the Oregon Utility Notification Center. “National Safe Digging Day is a perfect time to remind everyone to contact 811 first so they don’t have to call 911.” Read more
Contact Information
Address:
305 N.E. 102nd Avenue, Suite 300
Portland, OR 97220
Phone:
Toll Free: 877-668-4001
Local: 503-232-1987
The OUNC is an official state agency. www.oregon.gov.
Visit www.call811.com for more info