North Dakota PSC says changes to 'one-call' dig rules possible

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota regulators say changes may be coming in state rules that require excavators to check the locations of underground pipes.

Contractors who are getting ready to dig trenches are supposed to use a state "one call" service.

It helps put excavators in touch with pipeline companies and other utilities to make sure the digging doesn't hit buried equipment.

Public Service Commissioner Brian Kalk says western North Dakota's energy boom has meant a big increase in locator requests.

Kalk says one telephone cooperative spends more than $400,000 annually marking its buried property.

Now, a ticket that marks the spot of underground property is valid for 10 days.

Kalk says that time could be lengthened. He says excavators could also be charged for making repeated requests to locate the same property.

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