Joyce Nelson receives OUNC recognition plaque
After months of delays due to COVID-19, OUNC Chairman, Micah Brown, finally had an opportunity to present Joyce Nelsen her recognition plaque. Joyce was on the OUNC board for 8 years, holding two terms. She held the Treasurer’s position for 6 years and her dedication will forever be appreciated. She continues her 811 efforts supporting the East Linn council and has for over a decade. Thank you Joyce!
OUNC earns Honor Roll for FY 2020!
The Oregon Utility Notification Center earns Honor Roll for Fiscal Year 2020. Read details here.
Congratulations to Frank Frenzel, who received the 2020 Morrison Award!
Congratulations to Frank Frenzel, who received the 2020 Morrison Award!Letter to Utility Operators, Excavators and Locators regarding COVID-19
Utility Operators, Excavators, Locators:
The Oregon Utility Notification Center (OUNC) through its contractor, One Call Concepts,
continues to operate the 811 call center to support essential excavation work throughout the
state. The call center remains open and fully function. The OUNC does not expect its members
or excavators will see any change in level of service from Oregon 811.
In addition, Oregon’s “Dig Law” remains in effect. Excavators and Utility Operators are still
expected to fulfill their obligations under OAR 952.
OAR 952-001-0070 paragraph (2), was incorporated into the rules published in January 1, 2019
so that excavators and locators can work together to make sure marks are on the ground prior
to excavation. While it wasn’t specifically intended for the specific situation that we all face
today, it is a tool that is available. Operators or their contract locators may want to review this
part of the rule if they are having difficulty keeping up with locate ticket demand due to
staffing shortfalls from COVID-19.
Likewise, excavators, can also reach out to the utilities listed on their tickets to make sure they
can stay on schedule. OUNC encourages all its members and utility
operators/locators/excavators to use this relatively new part of the rules to manage work load
and compliance during this unprecedented time.
Communication between utility operators, locators, and excavators has also been an important
part of the “Dig Safely” and “Call Before You Dig” initiatives. It is imperative, now more than
ever, to maintain good communication between all parties to keep those working in the field
safe and to avoid damages to buried infrastructure.
Be safe and take care of yourself, your co-workers, and family and friends.
Sincerely,
Scott Gallegos
OUNC Chair
Scott Gallegos – April is Dig Safely Month – Why should people call 811?
Practicing
social distancing by staying at home provides a great opportunity to get outdoors and do a little more yard work. This, and the fact that Safe Digging Month is right around the corner, are all the more reason to remind the public about safe digging best practices. Scott Gallegos, NW Natural‘s Damage Prevention Supervisor and Chair of OUNC discuss the need to call 811 before your shovel hits the ground with Lars Larson.
Listen to the Lars Larson interview on SoundCloud: Scott Gallegos – April is Dig Safely Month – Why should people call 811?
