Rep. Sherry Appleton’s (D-Poulsbo) bill HB 1006 adds new requirements to locating underground facilities before digging. The Utility and Transportation Commission convened a stakeholder workgroup in 2018 to work through the issues between the facility owners and excavators. However, this bill does not yet include those compromises or clarifying language.

For this reason, AWC has concerns with the bill:

• The bill directs facility owners to meet with excavators at a time and place chosen by the excavator for large and multisite projects.
• The definition of large projects does not allow for variations in smaller rural settings versus urban areas.
• The bill does not address stacked facilities owned by multiple operators.

The stakeholders are continuing to work with the bill sponsor to seek amendments to the bill to address these and other concerns.

The “call 811 before you dig” or “Safe Dig” law helps to prevent damage to city-owned facilities and protection of the public before excavation occurs.

Dates to remember

The bill is scheduled for a public hearing on Tuesday, February 5 at 10 am in the House Local Government Committee.