56-257 - Manner of installing underground utility lines. - Virginia Statutes

§ 56-257. Manner of installing underground utility lines.

A. Every operator, as defined in § 56-265.15, having the right to installunderground utility lines, as defined in § 56-265.15, except interstate gaspipelines subject to regulation by the U.S. Department of Transportation,shall install such underground utility lines in accordance with acceptedindustry standards. Such standards shall include, as applicable, standardsestablished by the National Electric Safety Code, the Commission's pipelinesafety regulations, the Department of Health's waterworks regulations (12 VAC5-590-10 et seq.), and standards established by the Utility IndustryCoalition of Virginia.

B. The Commission shall promulgate any rules or regulations necessary toenforce the provisions of this section as to those operators that do notcomply with such accepted industry standards.

C. This section shall not authorize the Commission to order action by, orimpose penalties on, any county, city or town. However, the Commission shallinform counties, cities and towns of alleged violations by the locality ofthe accepted industry standards or regulations adopted under this sectionand, at the request of the locality, suggest corrective action.

(Code 1919, § 4059; 1996, c. 278; 2000, c. 779.)