Page 68 - BCCGA Best Practices Version 3.0

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4-0
EXCAVATION
4-1 ONE-CALL /PRIVATE OPERATOR LOCATE REQUEST
PRACTICE STATEMENT: The ground disturber notifies the facility owner or
operator through the one-call centre to request the location of underground
facilities at each site. Unless otherwise specified by law, the ground disturber
must contact the centre at least three business days in advance of excavation
activities.
In BC, it is important to note that not all facility owners are members of One-
Call. Ground disturbers are responsible to research and contact all
facilities/operators that could be present in their ground disturbance worksites.
PRACTICE DESCRIPTION: Increased participation in a one-call notification
system improves communication between ground disturbers and facility
owners/operators and also helps to reduce damage to facilities. Ideally, it would
be mandatory for all utility owners to have membership in this system.
Regulation in the province requires that ground disturbers provide a minimum
of three business days notice before excavation. The one-call centre believes
that to excavate without giving prior notice can pose a risk to public safety,
ground disturbers, and the environment. It can also disrupt the vital services
that facility owners provide.
REFERENCES: Existing British Columbia acts and regulations.
4-2 PRIVATELY OWNED FACILITIES
PRACTICE STATEMENT: Prior to excavating, the ground disturber must be
aware that privately owned buried facilities may exist within the work area and
should request the private facility owner (e.g. landowner) to locate his or her
underground facilities.
PRACTICE DESCRIPTION: Privately owned underground facilities may not be
marked by representatives of the public facility owners beyond the
Best Practices Version 3.0