Page 3 - Louisiana 811 Magazine 2021 Issue 4

from the desk of
Brent Saltzman
It’s really hard to believe that we’re almost through another year. Thanks for your encouragement along the way.
Let me remind you of a change that will be important to you in January!
This past legislative session resulted in another amendment to the Louisiana Underground Utilities & Facilities Damage Prevention Law (Dig Law). This amendment, containing two parts, will impact both utility and facility owner/operators as well as excavators and it’s important both parties are aware of these changes before the law becomes effective January 2, 2022.
The first portion of this amendment is directed at excavators and addresses white-lining the proposed area of excavation. Many other states already have white-lining requirements in their dig laws. White-lining essentially requires the excavator to physically mark the area of proposed excavation using white paint and/or flags, stakes or similar means under the American Public Works Association (APWA) guidelines prior to submitting notice of intent to excavate. It’s vitally important to note that
the markings shall not exceed the actual area of excavation or demolition. Of equal importance to excavators is that, in lieu of physically marking the area of proposed excavation or demolition, electronic drawings identifying the specific location of the area will suffice. In other words, entering your locate requests online will satisfy this requirement in the dig law. This is considered “virtual white-lining” because our member companies are able to view electronically what was drawn by the excavator outlining the area of proposed excavation.
The second portion of this amendment is directed at utility and facility owner/operators and addresses positive response. Like white-lining, many other states already have this provision in their dig laws. Positive response requires the owner/operator of underground facilities to positively respond to the excavator by
the mark-by time if they determine that their infrastructure is not in conflict with the area of excavation/ demolition outlined on the locate request. Additionally, this provision requires the owner/operator to positively respond to the excavator if their facilities are not fully marked for locating purposes. It’s important to note that this portion of the amendment does not specify the method of positive response but it is highly recommended that utility and facility owner/operators use LA811’s online Locator Ticket Management System (positive response software). Using our software as a positive response tool will suffice in complying with this requirement.
Both white-lining and positive response are Common Ground Alliance (CGA) Best Practices and are intended to enhance damage prevention efforts. White-lining is extremely beneficial to utility and facility owners/ operators and positive response is extremely beneficial to excavators and demolishers. Both parties can expect to see the advantages of this change to our law.
For questions pertaining to the use of our Locator Ticket Management System or anything else related to this issue, feel free to contact us by calling 8-1-1. Our customer service representatives are here to help assist during this transitional period.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t congratulate Ed Landgraf and CAMO for receiving the inaugural Groundbreaker Award from CGA. Look for the article and photo in this issue of our magazine.
Plan on being with us for our Damage Prevention Summit from January 31 – February 2, 2022, back at the Crowne Plaza. Hope to see you there.
Enjoy this special holiday season with your families. It has been my privilege to serve you this past year. Let’s work together to make 2022 the best and safest year ever!
Brent Saltzman Executive Director Louisiana 811
2021, Issue 4 Louisiana 811 • 1