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Washington Regulation Title 19 RCW:
Business Regulations - Misc. Chapter 19.122, Underground Utilities*

Before doing any excavating; before tilling the soil to a depth of twelve(12) inches or more for agricultural purposes, the excavator (or farmer) must provide notice of the intent to excavate to all owners of underground facilities through a one-number locator service. If there is no one-number locator service in the area, each owner of an underground facility must be notified. Such notice shall be given not less than two (2) business days prior to the excavating.

The owner of underground facilities has the right to receive compensation if required to respond to an excavation notice given less than two (2) business days -unless it is an emergency.

If an excavator discovers underground facilities which are not identified, he is to stop excavating in that vicinity and immediately notify the facility owner or the one-number locator service.

The excavator shall be held liable for any damages to the underground facility owner if this regulation is not followed.

an excavator who damages an underground facility must notify the owner and the one-number locator service, and must not bury it until the facility owner has the opportunity to look at the line and make necessary repairs.

Willful or malicious damage to a field-marked underground facility shall cause the excavator to be liable for treble the costs incurred by the owner for repairs. Disregard of this regulation is deemed willful or malicious.

This regulation identifies an "Excavation" as any operation in which earth, rock or other material on or below the ground is moved or otherwise displaced by means except the tilling of soil less than twelve (12) inches in depth of agricultural purposes.


PLEASE NOTE: The items herein are only highlights of the above noted regulation. For your own protection or for more information, get a copy of the complete chapter. You owe it to yourself to be informed.


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