§ 5-3-61. Excavation.

(a)

An operator who receives notification of a proposed excavation pursuant to section 5-3-52(a) of this article and who has received, if applicable, verification of site grading pursuant to section 5-3-53(a) of this article shall provide clearance of excavation to the excavator before the excavation may commence by:

(1)

At least one(1) hour prior to the commencement of the proposed excavation, horizontally locating its utility lines at the site, and notifying the excavator that this marking has been accomplished, or

(2)

Notifying the excavator that the proposed excavation will not affect its existing utility lines.

(b)

Failure of the operator to respond to notification within 48 hours of notification may be construed by the excavator to mean that the proposed excavation will not affect its existing utility lines, except where a line is shown to exist under the provisions of section 5-3-53(c) a second notification is required at least one (1) hour before proceeding to excavate.

(c)

Horizontal location of utility lines at the site of excavation shall consist of a permanent marking system approved by the office of pipeline safety of the Department of Transportation of Virginia, or the state corporation commission of Virginia, or a temporary marking system approved by the city manager or his designated representative clearly and definitely indicating the horizontal location of the operator's facilities.

(d)

In order to expedite horizontal location of utility lines, each operator shall:

(1)

Provide locating services to mark all facilities including house service laterals affected by the excavation.

(2)

Provide to designing engineers horizontal location data on its utility lines prior to field survey for designing new work so that the information on existing utility lines may be included in survey notes.

(3)

Have the option to allow the locating crew of another operator to horizontally locate said facilities provided clearance to do so has been given in writing.

(4)

Indicate the horizontal location of operator utility lines on a site map if requested by the excavator.

(e)

When trenches excavated for the installation of gas pipelines are backfilled a continuous tape, or similarly effective device, shall be installed after tamping 18 inches above all direct burial plastic mains and 12 inches above services, stubs and stub extensions. The tape shall be not less than three (3) inches wide, brilliant in color and imprinted with words clearly defining the utility line as "GAS." The tape shall be impregnated with metal so that locating equipment can readily pick it up. The remainder of the backfill may then be placed.

(f)

When repairs are made to underground gas pipelines, and the device provided in compliance with section 5-3-61(e) above has been disrupted or severed during excavation, the device shall be installed or replaced at the completion of repairs prior to the backfilling. (Code 1963, Sec. 39A-22)