The West Virginia Damage Prevention Board has been very busy this dig season, as we have seen record numbers across the state. One of the big factors contributing to this is the influx of broadband work going on throughout the state. There has been a record number of tickets being called in, which in turn increases the chances of someone not following the 811 laws. We have seen a record number of violations being filed compared to recent years, which is both a good and bad thing. It’s good that people are getting the word out that there’s something you can do about someone who breaks the 811 laws in West Virginia, but on the other hand, it’s showing there are more violations happening in the state.
The most common violation that has been filed is utility owners not marking their underground facilities within the required 48 hours. As a reminder, per West Virginia state law, a utility owner is required to mark their underground facility within 2 feet with paint or flags within 48 hours of notice, not including weekends and state and federal holidays. Because of the influx of tickets, it has become harder to keep up with the number of tickets being called in.
The West Virginia Damage Prevention Board has secured a grant through PHMSA that is going to greatly expand our outreach and better help the board. It will help secure more promotional items as well as help bring awareness to not only West Virginia 811, but to the Damage Prevention Board to get more involvement from homeowners, contractors and utility owners. The road is long, but the mission stays the same for the Damage Prevention Board, to make sure the residents and workers doing any kind of excavation or demolition are safe. The main way to achieve that is to make sure you are up-to-date on the most recent laws and best practices. The best way to do that is to reach out to the Damage Prevention Board or West Virginia 811 and set up a free class. This class will give everyone the tools and knowledge to dig safely.
As we head into the holiday season, it is even more important to dig safely and know the laws and best practices in West Virginia. Please reach out if there are any questions to brandon.hahn@wv811.com or call at 304-657-4839.