One Call Centers - Call Before You Dig

Third–party excavation damage is the primary cause of pipeline incidents. State “One-Call systems” and individual state excavation damage protection systems are designed to combat this problem. “One-Call systems” provide contractors, highway workers, farmers and anyone digging along a pipeline right-of-way with the ability to call a single number to be sure it is safe to proceed. “Call-before-you-dig” notices are also sent to property owners along the right-of-way. Properly implemented, state “One-Call” systems have been highly effective in preventing third-party excavation damage, and in providing a fair and impartial enforcement.

Congress has recognized the importance of effective state “One-Call” systems. One of the primary focuses in the Pipeline Inspection, Protection, Enforcement, and Safety Act of 2006 (further described below) is on enhanced use of improved “One-Call” laws and systems and improved enforcement of those laws to prevent excavation damage to pipelines. The 2006 law includes prohibitions on excavators, sanctions on violators and incentives for states to revise “One-Call” programs to meet certain minimum requirements.

In addition to “One-Call” systems, states have the primary accountability for intrastate and local distribution pipeline safety. As noted, coordination with states and local communities is an important element in the growing recognition of the benefits of increased public education and pipeline safety awareness programs.