{"id":5100,"date":"2024-07-19T16:42:21","date_gmt":"2024-07-19T16:42:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fwhtlaw.com\/blog\/?p=5100"},"modified":"2024-07-22T17:37:14","modified_gmt":"2024-07-22T17:37:14","slug":"minnesota-legislature-enacts-changes-to-underground-safety-laws","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fwhtlaw.com\/blog\/2024\/07\/19\/minnesota-legislature-enacts-changes-to-underground-safety-laws\/","title":{"rendered":"Minnesota Legislature Enacts Changes to Underground Safety Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"
By Hugh D. Brown<\/h6>\n
Hugh is a shareholder of the firm’s Construction Law Department. He can be reached at 612.359.7663 or hbrown@fwhtlaw.com<\/a>.<\/u><\/h6>\n

One product of the Minnesota legislature\u2019s 2024 session was new legislation that significantly updated Minnesota\u2019s laws concerning excavation near subsurface utilities.\u00a0 These updates focus on improving the safety and accuracy of these excavation activities. This Briefing Paper explains the changes and their implications for contractors and underground safety.<\/p>\n

Background and Importance<\/strong><\/p>\n

Underground construction and excavation are critical components of infrastructure development and maintenance. However, these activities come with significant risks. Striking existing underground utilities, such as gas pipelines, electric cables, water mains, and telecommunications lines, can cause severe accidents, including explosions, electrical hazards, flooding, and widespread service disruptions. This happens with some regularity, and the problem is on the rise \u2013 the Common Ground Alliance, an organization dedicated to the safety of underground utilities and those who excavate near them, reported in their most recent Damage Information Reporting Tool (\u201cDIRT\u201d) that \u201c[s]tatistical regression analysis, controlling for other influencing factors like economic activity and population density, confirms an upward damage trend<\/strong> over the three-year period 2020-2022.\u201d[1]<\/a><\/p>\n

Clear regulations and effective communication between excavators and utility operators are essential to mitigate these dangers. One vital tool in achieving this communication efficiently and effectively is the \u201cOne Call\u201d locate system.\u00a0 That system involves three steps:\u00a0 First, the owner of a project involving excavation in the vicinity of utilities contacts the One-Call center before construction is to begin and provides the work site location and information.[2]<\/a>\u00a0 Second, One-Call notifies member companies with utilities in the area to locate and mark utility lines.\u00a0 Third, the utility locates and marks routes of their buried lines. \u00a0However, the system does not always work as it should.\u00a0 Locates are frequently requested or provided late or with insufficient specificity, excavators miss locate markings or approach them with insufficient tolerance, and utilities occasionally fail to respond to locate requests at all.[3]<\/a>\u00a0 The updates to Minnesota Statutes, Section 216D, aim to address these and other issues by enhancing safety protocols, improve the accuracy of utility markings, and ensure timely reporting and coordination.<\/p>\n

Summary of Changes<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Update to Utility Quality Level Guidelines<\/u><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    First, the legislation updates the guidelines to be used for determining the \u201cutility quality level,\u201d which will ensure that all utilities and excavators are using the most up-to-date guidance concerning the specificity required.<\/p>\n

    The utility quality level is a set of standards used to specify the degree of accuracy required for locating utilities for a given project.[4]<\/a>\u00a0 As the Federal Highway Administration (\u201cFHWA\u201d) explains:<\/p>\n

    The use of quality levels allows project owners to decide what quality level of information they want to apply to their risk management challenge and to certify on project plans that a certain level of accuracy and comprehensiveness has been provided. There are four recognized quality levels of underground utility information ranging from Quality Level (QL) D (the lowest level) to Quality Level A (the highest level). The highest level of accuracy and comprehensiveness is generally not needed at every point along a utility’s path, only where conflicts with highway design features are most likely to occur. Hence, lesser levels of information may be appropriate at points where fewer conflicts or no conflicts are expected.<\/p>\n

    Under the previous guidelines, the utility quality level was required to be determined in accordance with old guidelines established in 2002 by the Construction Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers (\u201cASCE\u201d) in document CI\/ASCE 38-02 entitled “Standard Guidelines for the Collection and Depiction of Existing Subsurface Utility Data.”\u00a0 The new legislation updates the source guide to \u201cStandard Guideline for Investigating and Documenting Existing Utilities,” ASCE\/UESI\/CI 38-22, or \u201ca successor document<\/em>.\u201d[5]<\/a><\/p>\n

    In other words, Minnesota law will now automatically incorporate the most recent version of the ASCE\u2019s Standard Guidelines without the need to amend Minnesota statutes every time ASCE does. This will help keep Minnesota\u2019s underground safety standards up to date with best practices as they evolve over time.<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Performance Reporting <\/u><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Second, the new legislation adds a new reporting requirement for operators,[6]<\/a> thereby improving the information available to all stakeholders and allowing for continued improvements of safety protocols.\u00a0 Chapter 216D now requires that each operator submit a report to the Office of Pipeline Safety on a quarterly basis, using a form or database entry designated by the Office of Pipeline Safety.[7]<\/a><\/p>\n

      The report must contain the following information:<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. the total number of notifications and the number of notifications, itemized by type;<\/li>\n
      2. for each notification type, the percentage of notifications marked by the start time on the notice; and<\/li>\n
      3. the number of utility damages, itemized by the cause of the damages.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Operators with fewer than 5,000 notifications per year are exempt from this reporting requirement unless they are a pipeline operator separately regulated under Chapter 299F or 299J (each of which regulates operators of natural gas pipelines).\u00a0 To encourage candid and accurate reporting, the data collected from the reporting may not be used by the Office of Pipeline Safety to initiate an enforcement action.<\/p>\n

        The Commissioner of Public Safety must annually publish a report on the data collected under this subdivision and make the report available on the Office of Pipeline Safety website.\u00a0 Interestingly, the legislation does not state how detailed the report must be or whether it will identify operators by name.\u00a0 However, the Common Ground Alliance\u2019s 2022 DIRT report highly recommended the collection of the information to be collected, and endorsed its usefulness, stating: \u201cMonthly reporting and near-miss data submitted by Damage Prevention Institute (DPI) participants through DIRT will provide unprecedented insights, enable timely analysis and create shared accountability across stakeholder groups.\u201d\u00a0 The new requirement should lead to better information and safer excavating.<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Excavation Plans <\/u><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Third, the new legislation gives excavators[8]<\/a> the power to call an onsite meeting with operators.\u00a0 This will be an important tool to contractors as they seek to obtain more information about subsurface utilities, and also as they work to coordinate any work affecting those utilities or adjacent to them.<\/p>\n

          Under new subdivision 1b of Minn. Stat. 216D.04, any excavator may request an \u201con-site meet,\u201d[9]<\/a> and, as noted below, utilities must attend.\u00a0 The meet request must include the entire geographic area of the proposed excavation, and the specific location of the meet.\u00a0 Further, although one can be called at any time at the excavator\u2019s discretion, an onsite meeting is required for an excavation notice that involves excavation of one mile or more in length or when any combination of notices provide for adjacent geographic sections that, when combined, meet or exceed the one-mile limit.<\/p>\n

          When an affected operator receives a meet request, it must<\/em> respond and either: (1) attend the on-site meet at the proposed date and time, (2) contact the excavator before the meet and (i) reschedule the meet for a mutually agreed date and time, or (ii) reach an agreement with the excavator that a meet is not required. At the meet, the operator and the excavator must agree on any subsequent planned meets or further communication. The on-site meet date and time must occur at least 48 hours after the notice, (though excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays). The excavation start time must be at least 48 hours after the proposed meet date and time specified on the notice, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.<\/p>\n

          The excavator and the operator must submit documentation of each on-site meet to the notification center, in the manner specified by the notification center. The documentation must include the following information: the date and time of the meet; the names, company affiliations, and contact information of the attendees of each meet; a diagram, sketch, or description of the precise excavation locations, dates, and times; and the agreed schedule of any future on-site meets or communications.<\/p>\n

            \n
          1. Locating Underground Facilities<\/u><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Fourth, the new legislation adds new requirements for markers to show the location of underground facilities.\u00a0 These requirements will ensure that markings are more highly visible, and thereby contribute to safety.<\/p>\n

            While the old legislation required only that excavators follow the minimum standard used by the American Public Works Association, the new legislation adds several new requirements, as follows:<\/p>\n

              \n
            1. Markers must be a combination of paint markings and at least one of (i) a flag or flags, or (ii) a stake or stakes, or (iii) a whisker or whiskers;<\/li>\n
            2. All markers must follow the current color code standard used by the American Public Works Association;<\/li>\n
            3. All markets must be located within a plus or minus two-foot tolerance; and<\/li>\n
            4. The name of the operator must be indicated on each flag, stake or whisker.[10]<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              On hard surfaces, markers without flags, stakes, or whiskers may be used, but the markers must comply with the color code standard and tolerance requirement under clauses (2) and (3).<\/p>\n

              Further, an operator may just use geospatial location information, or some equivalent technology, to develop as-built drawings of newly installed or newly abandoned facilities when such facilities are exposed during excavation.[11]<\/a><\/p>\n

              Finally, excavators were previously required to use white markings for all proposed excavations.[12]<\/a>\u00a0 Now, excavators must use white markings in normal conditions, black markings in wintery conditions, or, at their option, electronic markings.\u00a0 This too will contribute to visibility, and therefore, safety.<\/p>\n

              Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n

              The amendments to Minnesota Statutes, Section 216D, aim to improve the accuracy and safety of excavation activities by clarifying definitions, enhancing reporting requirements, and establishing more detailed protocols for coordination and communication between excavators and operators. These changes are designed to minimize the risk of damage to underground facilities and ensure that all parties involved in excavation projects are better informed and prepared. Their enactment is an important development for construction safety in Minnesota.<\/p>\n

              \n

              [1]<\/a> Common Ground Alliance, 2022 DIRT Report, Three-Year Trending: Statistical Analysis Confirms Upward Damage Trajectory available at <\/em>https:\/\/dirt.commongroundalliance.com\/2022-DIRT-Report\/Three-Year-Trending-Statistical-Analysis-Confirms-Upward-Damage-Trajectory#mainContentAnchor<\/a> (last accessed July 19, 2024).<\/p>\n

              [2]<\/a> Making One-Call Better, Underground Infrastructure (April 2015, Vol. 70, No. 4).<\/p>\n

              [3]<\/a> Common Ground Alliance reports that the top three causes of utility strikes are (1) failure of utilities to provide locate information, (2) failure to mark utilities due to locator error, and (3) excavator failure to maintain clearance.\u00a0 Common Ground Alliance 2022 DIRT Report, Damage Root Causes Remain Consistent, available at <\/em>https:\/\/dirt.commongroundalliance.com\/2022-DIRT-Report\/Damage-Root-Causes-Remain-Consistent#mainContentAnchor<\/a>.<\/p>\n

              [4]<\/a> FHWA Programs, available at <\/em>https:\/\/www.fhwa.dot.gov\/programadmin\/sueindex.cfm<\/a> (last accessed July 19, 2024).<\/p>\n

              [5]<\/a> Minn. Stat. 216D.01, subd 12.<\/p>\n

              [6]<\/a> “Operator” means a person who owns or operates an underground facility. Minn. Stat. 216D.01, subd. 9.<\/p>\n

              [7]<\/a> 216D.03, subd. 5.<\/p>\n

              [8]<\/a> “Excavator” means a person who conducts excavation in the state. Minn. Stat. 216D.01, subd. 6.<\/p>\n

              [9]<\/a> An “On-site meet” is a meeting at the excavation site, requested by the excavator. During this meeting, all affected underground facility operators gather to discuss the excavation details, locations, schedules, and any other relevant information. This helps ensure precise communication and coordination before excavation begins.\u00a0 Minn. Stat. 216D.01, subd. 8a.<\/p>\n

              [10]<\/a> Minn. Stat. 216D.04, subd. 3.<\/p>\n

              [11]<\/a> The requirements of this paragraph apply on or after January 1, 2026, or January 1, 2027 for operators that served fewer than 10,000 customers in 2025.<\/p>\n

              [12]<\/a> Minn. Stat. 216D.05.<\/p>\n

              \n

              Announcements<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

              Fabyanske, Westra, Hart & Thomson, P.A. has been ranked as a Band 1 Construction Law Firm in Minnesota by the well-recognized Chambers professional rating service.<\/p>\n

              Dean Thomson<\/a><\/strong> (Band 1 Construction Law)<\/p>\n

              Kyle Hart<\/a> (<\/strong>Band 1 Construction Law)<\/p>\n

              Mark Becker<\/a><\/strong> (Band 1 Construction Law)<\/p>\n

              Jesse Orman<\/a><\/strong> (Band 3 Construction Law)<\/p>\n

              Rory Duggan<\/a><\/strong> (Band 3 Real Estate Law)<\/p>\n

              Julia Douglass<\/a><\/strong> (Up and Coming)<\/p>\n

              Here\u2019s what Chambers has to say about FWHT: \u201cThe team is esteemed for its dedicated construction group, which brings deep industry insight to disputes, contract negotiations, planning issues and arbitration matters. The group represents diverse participants from the public and private sectors, including design professionals, insurers and subcontractors. The firm frequently acts on large-scale regional and national projects. It has attorneys who are well known in the sector, having been appointed to leadership roles at a variety of industry bodies.\u201d\u00a0\u201cThis firm\u2019s results are always exceptional, so there is great value in their services.\u201d \u201cTheir team of attorneys know construction and construction law inside and out.\u201d<\/strong><\/em> For more information click here.<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

              Fabyanske, Westra, Hart & Thomson, P.A. <\/strong>is pleased to announce that Mpls. St. Paul Magazine <\/strong>has named\u00a0Julia Douglass<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>as as one of the \u201cTop Women Attorneys in Minnesota\u201d <\/strong>in its April 2024 issue. For more information click here.<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

              Mark Becker<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>is recognized by Minnesota Lawyer as a\u00a0Power 30 attorney<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>in the field of Real Estate and Construction Law.\u00a0 Congratulations to Mark at Fabyanske, Westra, Hart and Thomson <\/strong>for this prestigious recognition. For more information click here.<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

              This discussion is generalized in nature and should not be considered a substitute for professional advice. \u00a9 2024 FWH&T.<\/em><\/h6>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

              By Hugh D. Brown Hugh is a shareholder of the firm’s Construction Law Department. He can be reached at 612.359.7663 or hbrown@fwhtlaw.com. One product of the Minnesota legislature\u2019s 2024 session was new legislation\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":4880,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,19],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5100","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-briefing-papers","category-hugh-d-brown"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nMinnesota Legislature Enacts Changes to Underground Safety Laws - Fabyanske, Westra, Hart & Thomson<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fwhtlaw.com\/blog\/2024\/07\/19\/minnesota-legislature-enacts-changes-to-underground-safety-laws\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Minnesota Legislature Enacts Changes to Underground Safety Laws - Fabyanske, Westra, Hart & Thomson\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"By Hugh D. 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