{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/56-265.24.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/56-265.24.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/56-265.24.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/56-265.24.html"}],"law_id":68853,"edition_id":1,"section_id":68853,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.24","catch_line":"Duties of excavator","history":"1979, c. 291; 1994, c. 890; 1996, c. 79; 2002, c. 841; 2023, cc. 299, 300.","full_text":"A\n\nNo excavator shall begin any excavation or demolition before reviewing and heeding the positive response marking status of the excavation area. Any person excavating within two feet on either side of the staked or marked location of an operator’s underground utility line or demolishing in such proximity to an underground utility line that the utility line may be destroyed, damaged, dislocated or disturbed shall take all reasonable steps necessary to properly protect, support and backfill underground utility lines. For excavations not parallel to an existing underground utility line, such steps shall include, but may not be limited to:1\n\nExposing the underground utility line to its extremities by hand digging;2\n\nNot utilizing mechanized equipment within two feet of the extremities of all exposed utility lines; and3\n\nProtecting the exposed utility lines from damage.\n\t\t\t\tIn addition, for excavations parallel to an existing utility line, such steps shall include, but may not be limited to, hand digging at reasonable distances along the line of excavation. The excavator shall exercise due care at all times to protect underground utility lines when exposing these lines by hand digging.B\n\nIf the markings locating the underground lines become illegible due to time, weather, construction, or any other cause, the person performing the excavation or demolition shall so notify the notification center for the area. Such notification shall constitute an extension under subsection D of § 56-265.17.C\n\nIf, after at least 48 hours beginning with 7:00 a.m. the next working day following a locate request or on the date of excavation, upon arrival at the site of a proposed excavation, the excavator observes clear evidence of the presence of an unmarked utility line in the area of the proposed excavation, the excavator shall not begin excavating until three hours after an additional contact is made to the notification center for the area pursuant to subsection C of § 56-265.17 and the excavator has verified that no information has been posted to the positive response system or information posted to the positive response system is inconsistent with the clear evidence observed by the excavator.D\n\nIn the event of any damage to, or dislocation, or disturbance of any underground utility line including its appurtenances, covering, and coating, in connection with any excavation or demolition, the person responsible for the excavation or demolition operations shall immediately notify the operator of the underground utility line and shall not backfill around the underground utility line until the operator has repaired the damage or has given clearance to backfill. The operator shall either commence repair of the damage or give clearance to backfill within twenty-four hours, and upon his failure to commence or prosecute with diligence such repair or give clearance, the giving of clearance shall be presumed.E\n\nIf the damage, dislocation, or disturbance of the underground utility line creates an emergency, the person responsible for the excavation or demolition shall, in addition to complying with subsection D, take immediate steps reasonably calculated to safeguard life, health and property.F\n\nWith the exception of designers requesting marking of a site, in accordance with § 56-265.17, no person, including operators, shall request marking of a site through a notification center unless excavation shall commence within thirty working days from the date of the original notification to the notification center. Except for counties, cities, and towns, any person who willfully fails to comply with this subsection shall be liable to the operator for three times the cost of marking its utility line, not to exceed $1,000.G\n\nAny person performing excavation or demolition shall provide to the operator of the underground utility line in the area of excavation or to the appropriate regulatory authority having jurisdiction, the number issued by the notification center for that excavation site in response to the excavator’s notice, within one hour of a request for the number issued by the notification center.H\n\nIf an excavator discovers an unmarked line, the excavator shall protect this line pursuant to subsection C. An excavator shall not remove an abandoned line without first receiving authorization to do so by the operator.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":249228,"text":"No excavator shall begin any excavation or demolition before reviewing and heeding the positive response marking status of the excavation area. Any person excavating within two feet on either side of the staked or marked location of an operator’s underground utility line or demolishing in such proximity to an underground utility line that the utility line may be destroyed, damaged, dislocated or disturbed shall take all reasonable steps necessary to properly protect, support and backfill underground utility lines. For excavations not parallel to an existing underground utility line, such steps shall include, but may not be limited to:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":249229,"text":"Exposing the underground utility line to its extremities by hand digging;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"2":{"id":249230,"text":"Not utilizing mechanized equipment within two feet of the extremities of all exposed utility lines; and","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"A3"},"3":{"id":249231,"text":"Protecting the exposed utility lines from damage.\n\t\t\t\tIn addition, for excavations parallel to an existing utility line, such steps shall include, but may not be limited to, hand digging at reasonable distances along the line of excavation. The excavator shall exercise due care at all times to protect underground utility lines when exposing these lines by hand digging.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"B"},"4":{"id":249232,"text":"If the markings locating the underground lines become illegible due to time, weather, construction, or any other cause, the person performing the excavation or demolition shall so notify the notification center for the area. Such notification shall constitute an extension under subsection D of § 56-265.17.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"C"},"5":{"id":249233,"text":"If, after at least 48 hours beginning with 7:00 a.m. the next working day following a locate request or on the date of excavation, upon arrival at the site of a proposed excavation, the excavator observes clear evidence of the presence of an unmarked utility line in the area of the proposed excavation, the excavator shall not begin excavating until three hours after an additional contact is made to the notification center for the area pursuant to subsection C of § 56-265.17 and the excavator has verified that no information has been posted to the positive response system or information posted to the positive response system is inconsistent with the clear evidence observed by the excavator.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"6":{"id":249234,"text":"In the event of any damage to, or dislocation, or disturbance of any underground utility line including its appurtenances, covering, and coating, in connection with any excavation or demolition, the person responsible for the excavation or demolition operations shall immediately notify the operator of the underground utility line and shall not backfill around the underground utility line until the operator has repaired the damage or has given clearance to backfill. The operator shall either commence repair of the damage or give clearance to backfill within twenty-four hours, and upon his failure to commence or prosecute with diligence such repair or give clearance, the giving of clearance shall be presumed.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"7":{"id":249235,"text":"If the damage, dislocation, or disturbance of the underground utility line creates an emergency, the person responsible for the excavation or demolition shall, in addition to complying with subsection D, take immediate steps reasonably calculated to safeguard life, health and property.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"8":{"id":249236,"text":"With the exception of designers requesting marking of a site, in accordance with § 56-265.17, no person, including operators, shall request marking of a site through a notification center unless excavation shall commence within thirty working days from the date of the original notification to the notification center. Except for counties, cities, and towns, any person who willfully fails to comply with this subsection shall be liable to the operator for three times the cost of marking its utility line, not to exceed $1,000.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"G"},"9":{"id":249237,"text":"Any person performing excavation or demolition shall provide to the operator of the underground utility line in the area of excavation or to the appropriate regulatory authority having jurisdiction, the number issued by the notification center for that excavation site in response to the excavator’s notice, within one hour of a request for the number issued by the notification center.","type":"section","prefixes":["G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"G","prefix_anchor":"G","level":1,"prior_prefix":"F","next_prefix":"H"},"10":{"id":249238,"text":"If an excavator discovers an unmarked line, the excavator shall protect this line pursuant to subsection C. An excavator shall not remove an abandoned line without first receiving authorization to do so by the operator.","type":"section","prefixes":["H"],"prefix":"H","entire_prefix":"H","prefix_anchor":"H","level":1,"prior_prefix":"G"}},"ancestry":[{"id":12882,"edition_id":1,"name":"Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act","identifier":"10.3","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12881,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","permalink":{"id":249261,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12882,"identifier":"10.3","token":"56\/10.3","url":"\/56\/10.3\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12881,"edition_id":1,"name":"Public Service Companies","identifier":"56","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","permalink":{"id":248473,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12881,"identifier":"56","token":"56","url":"\/56\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":67078,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.14","catch_line":"Short title","url":"\/56-265.14\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.14","metadata":false},{"id":58284,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.15","catch_line":"Definitions; calculation of time periods","url":"\/56-265.15\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.15","metadata":false},{"id":77182,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.15:1","catch_line":" Exemptions; routine maintenance","url":"\/56-265.15_1\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.15_1","metadata":false},{"id":84032,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.16","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/56-265.16\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.16","metadata":false},{"id":56272,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.16:1","catch_line":"Operators to join notification centers; certification","url":"\/56-265.16_1\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.16_1","metadata":false},{"id":71572,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.17","catch_line":"Notification required prior to excavation or demolition; waiting periods; marking of proposed site","url":"\/56-265.17\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.17","metadata":false},{"id":83153,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.17:1","catch_line":"Notification and procedures for designers","url":"\/56-265.17_1\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.17_1","metadata":false},{"id":61626,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.17:2","catch_line":"Procedures for project owners","url":"\/56-265.17_2\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.17_2","metadata":false},{"id":81609,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.17:3","catch_line":"Procedures for operators in response to a designer notice","url":"\/56-265.17_3\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.17_3","metadata":false},{"id":87274,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.18","catch_line":"Notification requirements","url":"\/56-265.18\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.18","metadata":false},{"id":56575,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.19","catch_line":"Duties of operator; regulations","url":"\/56-265.19\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.19","metadata":false},{"id":76344,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.19:1","catch_line":"Private sewer laterals and sewer system laterals","url":"\/56-265.19_1\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.19_1","metadata":false},{"id":61252,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.20","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/56-265.20\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.20","metadata":false},{"id":80434,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.20:1","catch_line":"Locating nonmetallic underground utility lines","url":"\/56-265.20_1\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.20_1","metadata":false},{"id":77696,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.21","catch_line":"Marking by color","url":"\/56-265.21\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.21","metadata":false},{"id":64117,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.22","catch_line":"Duties of notification center upon notification by person intending to excavate; record of notification made by telephone required","url":"\/56-265.22\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.22","metadata":false},{"id":66270,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.22:1","catch_line":"Meetings between excavators and operators","url":"\/56-265.22_1\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.22_1","metadata":false},{"id":87171,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.23","catch_line":"Exemption for roadway maintenance operations by the Virginia Department of Transportation and certain counties, cities, and towns","url":"\/56-265.23\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.23","metadata":false},{"id":68853,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.24","catch_line":"Duties of excavator","url":"\/56-265.24\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.24","metadata":false},{"id":84234,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.24:1","catch_line":"Request to cease operation; immediate threat; penalty","url":"\/56-265.24_1\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.24_1","metadata":false},{"id":57821,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.25","catch_line":"Liability of operator and excavator; penalties","url":"\/56-265.25\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.25","metadata":false},{"id":54008,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.26","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/56-265.26\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.26","metadata":false},{"id":84847,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.26:1","catch_line":"Utility line depth requirement","url":"\/56-265.26_1\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.26_1","metadata":false},{"id":77994,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.27","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/56-265.27\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.27","metadata":false},{"id":86798,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.28","catch_line":"Sovereign immunity","url":"\/56-265.28\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.28","metadata":false},{"id":79358,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.29","catch_line":"Other similar laws","url":"\/56-265.29\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.29","metadata":false},{"id":56066,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.30","catch_line":"Authority of the State Corporation Commission","url":"\/56-265.30\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.30","metadata":false},{"id":54014,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.31","catch_line":"Commission to establish advisory committee","url":"\/56-265.31\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.31","metadata":false},{"id":73298,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.32","catch_line":"Commission to impose civil penalties for certain violations; establishment of Underground Utility Damage Prevention Special Fund","url":"\/56-265.32\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.32","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":87171,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.23","catch_line":"Exemption for roadway maintenance operations by the Virginia Department of Transportation and certain counties, cities, and towns","url":"\/56-265.23\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.23","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":84234,"structure_id":12882,"section_number":"56-265.24:1","catch_line":"Request to cease operation; immediate threat; penalty","url":"\/56-265.24_1\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.24_1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/56-265.24\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1979. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 291 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1979 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 4 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1994, chapter 890<\/a>; in 1996, chapter 79<\/a>; in 2002, chapter 841<\/a>; in 2023, chapters 299<\/a> and 300<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":71572,"section_number":"56-265.17","catch_line":"Notification required prior to excavation or demolition; waiting periods; marking of proposed site","order_by":null,"url":"\/56-265.17\/"}],"permalink":{"id":249335,"object_type":"law","relational_id":68853,"identifier":"56-265.24","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.24","url":"\/56-265.24\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/56-265.24\/","token":"56\/10.3\/56-265.24","dublin_core":{"Title":"Duties of excavator","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 56-265.24","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> No excavator shall begin any excavation or demolition before reviewing and heeding the positive response marking status of the excavation area. Any person<\/span> excavating within two feet on either side of the staked or marked location of an operator’s underground utility line or demolishing in such proximity to an underground utility line that the utility line may be destroyed, damaged, dislocated or disturbed shall take all reasonable steps necessary to properly protect, support and backfill underground utility lines. For excavations not parallel to an existing underground utility line, such steps shall include, but may not be limited to: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Exposing the underground utility line to its extremities by hand digging; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Not utilizing mechanized equipment within two feet of the extremities of all exposed utility lines; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Protecting the exposed utility lines from damage.\n\t\t\t\tIn addition, for excavations parallel to an existing utility line, such steps shall include, but may not be limited to, hand digging at reasonable distances along the line of excavation. The excavator shall exercise due care at all times to protect underground utility lines when exposing these lines by hand digging. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> If the markings locating the underground lines become illegible due to time, weather, construction, or any other cause, the person<\/span> performing the excavation or demolition shall so notify the notification center for the area. Such notification shall constitute an extension under subsection D of § 56-265.17<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> If, after at least 48 hours beginning with 7:00 a.m. the next working day following a locate request or on the date of excavation, upon arrival at the site of a proposed excavation, the excavator observes clear evidence<\/span> of the presence of an unmarked utility line in the area of the proposed excavation, the excavator shall not begin excavating until three hours after an additional contact is made to the notification center for the area pursuant to subsection C of § 56-265.17<\/a> and the excavator has verified that no information has been posted to the positive response system or information posted to the positive response system is inconsistent with the clear evidence<\/span> observed by the excavator. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> In the event of any damage to, or dislocation, or disturbance of any underground utility line including its appurtenances, covering, and coating, in connection with any excavation or demolition, the person<\/span> responsible for the excavation or demolition operations shall immediately notify the operator of the underground utility line and shall not backfill around the underground utility line until the operator has repaired the damage or has given clearance to backfill. The operator shall either commence repair of the damage or give clearance to backfill within twenty-four hours, and upon his failure to commence or prosecute<\/span> with diligence such repair or give clearance, the giving of clearance shall be presumed. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> If the damage, dislocation, or disturbance of the underground utility line creates an emergency, the person<\/span> responsible for the excavation or demolition shall, in addition to complying with subsection D, take immediate steps reasonably calculated to safeguard life, health and property. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> With the exception of designers requesting marking of a site, in accordance with § 56-265.17<\/a>, no person<\/span>, including operators, shall request marking of a site through a notification center unless excavation shall commence within thirty working days from the date of the original notification to the notification center. Except for counties, cities, and towns, any person<\/span> who willfully fails to comply with this subsection shall be liable to the operator for three times the cost of marking its utility line, not to exceed $1,000. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> Any person<\/span> performing excavation or demolition shall provide to the operator of the underground utility line in the area of excavation or to the appropriate regulatory authority having jurisdiction<\/span>, the number issued by the notification center for that excavation site in response to the excavator’s notice, within one hour of a request for the number issued by the notification center. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

H.<\/span> If an excavator discovers an unmarked line, the excavator shall protect this line pursuant to subsection C. An excavator shall not remove an abandoned line without first receiving authorization to do so by the operator. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nDUTIES OF EXCAVATOR (\u00a7 56-265.24)\n\nA. No excavator shall begin any excavation or demolition before reviewing and\nheeding the positive response marking status of the excavation area. Any person\nexcavating within two feet on either side of the staked or marked location of an\noperator’s underground utility line or demolishing in such proximity to an\nunderground utility line that the utility line may be destroyed, damaged,\ndislocated or disturbed shall take all reasonable steps necessary to properly\nprotect, support and backfill underground utility lines. For excavations not\nparallel to an existing underground utility line, such steps shall include, but\nmay not be limited to:\n\n 1. Exposing the underground utility line to its extremities by hand digging;\n\n 2. Not utilizing mechanized equipment within two feet of the extremities of\n all exposed utility lines; and\n\n 3. Protecting the exposed utility lines from damage.\n \t\t\t\tIn addition, for excavations parallel to an existing utility line, such\n steps shall include, but may not be limited to, hand digging at reasonable\n distances along the line of excavation. The excavator shall exercise due care\n at all times to protect underground utility lines when exposing these lines by\n hand digging.\n\nB. If the markings locating the underground lines become illegible due to time,\nweather, construction, or any other cause, the person performing the excavation\nor demolition shall so notify the notification center for the area. Such\nnotification shall constitute an extension under subsection D of §\n56-265.17.\n\nC. If, after at least 48 hours beginning with 7:00 a.m. the next working day\nfollowing a locate request or on the date of excavation, upon arrival at the\nsite of a proposed excavation, the excavator observes clear evidence of the\npresence of an unmarked utility line in the area of the proposed excavation, the\nexcavator shall not begin excavating until three hours after an additional\ncontact is made to the notification center for the area pursuant to subsection C\nof § 56-265.17 and the excavator has verified that no information has been\nposted to the positive response system or information posted to the positive\nresponse system is inconsistent with the clear evidence observed by the\nexcavator.\n\nD. In the event of any damage to, or dislocation, or disturbance of any\nunderground utility line including its appurtenances, covering, and coating, in\nconnection with any excavation or demolition, the person responsible for the\nexcavation or demolition operations shall immediately notify the operator of the\nunderground utility line and shall not backfill around the underground utility\nline until the operator has repaired the damage or has given clearance to\nbackfill. The operator shall either commence repair of the damage or give\nclearance to backfill within twenty-four hours, and upon his failure to commence\nor prosecute with diligence such repair or give clearance, the giving of\nclearance shall be presumed.\n\nE. If the damage, dislocation, or disturbance of the underground utility line\ncreates an emergency, the person responsible for the excavation or demolition\nshall, in addition to complying with subsection D, take immediate steps\nreasonably calculated to safeguard life, health and property.\n\nF. With the exception of designers requesting marking of a site, in accordance\nwith § 56-265.17, no person, including operators, shall request marking of\na site through a notification center unless excavation shall commence within\nthirty working days from the date of the original notification to the\nnotification center. Except for counties, cities, and towns, any person who\nwillfully fails to comply with this subsection shall be liable to the operator\nfor three times the cost of marking its utility line, not to exceed $1,000.\n\nG. Any person performing excavation or demolition shall provide to the operator\nof the underground utility line in the area of excavation or to the appropriate\nregulatory authority having jurisdiction, the number issued by the notification\ncenter for that excavation site in response to the excavator’s notice,\nwithin one hour of a request for the number issued by the notification center.\n\nH. If an excavator discovers an unmarked line, the excavator shall protect this\nline pursuant to subsection C. An excavator shall not remove an abandoned line\nwithout first receiving authorization to do so by the operator.\n\nHISTORY: 1979, c. 291; 1994, c. 890; 1996, c. 79; 2002, c. 841; 2023, cc. 299,\n300.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}