Vermont Public Utility Commission Issues Order Against Gravel Construction Company for Underground Utility Damage Prevention Violation

Strategic Insights -

The Vermont Public Utility Commission has issued an order against Gravel Construction Company, Inc. for allegedly violating the Underground Utility Damage Prevention System. The incident occurred on May 10, 2023, at 29 Edgewood Dr, Barre, VT, where an excavator failed to notify Dig Safe of excavation activities. Green Mountain Power Corporation reported the incident to the Department on May 11, 2023. As a result, the Department of Public Service issued a Notice of Probable Violation (NOPV) to Gravel Construction Company, Inc. on January 29, 2024, recommending a civil penalty of $250.00.

Key Takeaways:

  • Gravel Construction Company, Inc. allegedly violated the Underground Utility Damage Prevention System on May 10, 2023, by failing to notify Dig Safe of excavation activities.
  • The Vermont Department of Public Service issued a Notice of Probable Violation (NOPV) to Gravel Construction Company, Inc. on January 29, 2024, recommending a civil penalty of $250.00.
  • Green Mountain Power Corporation reported the incident to the Department on May 11, 2023, which triggered the NOPV.
  • Gravel Construction Company, Inc. agreed to take the recommended remedial action, including paying the civil penalty, without contesting the NOPV or its allegations.
  • This incident highlights the importance of notifying Dig Safe of excavation activities to prevent underground utility damage.
  • The Public Utility Commission of the State of Vermont has emphasized the need for companies to comply with the Underground Utility Damage Prevention System rules and regulations.

Statistics:

  • Date of incident: May 10, 2023
  • Date of NOPV issued: January 29, 2024
  • Recommended civil penalty: $250.00
  • Number of NOPVs issued to Gravel Construction Company, Inc. in the previous 12 months: 0
  • Revised NOPV filing date: March 6, 2024

Sources:

  • Public Utility Commission of the State of Vermont, "STATE OF VERMONT PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION Case No. 24-0279-DSN Gravel Construction Company, Inc." (04/29/2024)
  • Vermont Department of Public Service, "Notice of Probable Violation" (Case #2023-UFDR-34009) (01/29/2024)