§ 87-113. Notification required when damage done. - North Carolina Statutes

§87‑113.  Notification required when damage done.

(a)        The person doing anexcavation that results in any known damage to an underground utility shall,immediately after the discovery of the damage, notify the utility owner of thelocation and nature of the damage and shall allow the utility owner reasonabletime to repair the damage before completing the excavation in the immediatearea of the damaged underground utility.

(b)        The personresponsible for conducting any excavation that results in damage to anunderground utility where the damage may endanger life, health, or propertyshall, immediately after the discovery of the damage, take action to protectthe public and property, notify the utility owner, notify the police or firedepartments, and take any other actions to minimize the hazards until thearrival of the utility owner's personnel, the police, or the fire department.The excavator shall delay any backfilling in the immediate area of the damagedunderground utility until authorized by the utility owner unless it isnecessary to prevent injury or property damage to others. Repair of any damageshall be performed by the utility owner or by qualified personnel authorized bythe utility owner. (1985, c. 785, s. 1.)