Reports Scheduled for Review by the Advisory Committee

Report an Incident or Near Miss

• Use the Incident Report form to report a probable violation of the Virginia Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act.
  • Incident Report - Microsoft Word Format

Changes to the Virginia Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act became effective July 1, 2023. To review those changes, visit https://va811.com/2023-law-changes/.


The Damage Prevention section investigates all reports of "probable violations" of the Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act and presents its findings and recommendations to the Commission's Damage Prevention Advisory Committee. The Committee makes enforcement recommendations to the Commission. The Division provides free training relative to the Damage Prevention Act to stakeholders, conducts public education campaigns, and promotes partnership amongst various parties to further underground utility damage prevention in Virginia.

• Storm Cleanup and Utility Damage Prevention Resource
• View April is National Safe Digging Month Public Service Announcement
• View Publications/Presentations
• Visit va811 (Virginia Utility Protection Service aka Miss Utility)

In order to provide uniform and effective education and training relative to the Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act, and the Commission Rules for Enforcement of the Act, the Division of Utility and Railroad Safety has established a statewide Education Executive Committee. The Committee is comprised of seven members representing excavators, utility operators, locators, the notification center and the Commission Staff. Every year the Committee reviews the results of the educational efforts and recommends an education and training plan for the next year. Education plans have included:

• Radio, television, newspaper, trade magazine, high school athletic sporting event, homeowner association, and billboard advertisements to encourage excavators to "Dig with C.A.R.E." in Virginia;
• Encouragement for utilities to include the C.A.R.E. message in their bill inserts, newsletters and other publications;
• Creation of the Miss Utility of Virginia website;
• Distribution of C.A.R.E. educational materials;
• Placement of C.A.R.E. stickers on operator, excavator and locator's vehicles and excavation equipment;
• Attendance at and distribution of educational materials at contractor and construction trade shows, fairs, etc.
• Establishment of Local Damage Prevention Committees ("LDPC") to hold regular meetings around the Commonwealth to discuss specific issues and concerns of the area;
• Providing training at the LDPC's meetings;
• Creation of training modules on subjects such as safe digging practices, understanding marking of utility lines, understanding the Act and the Commission's Rules;
• General outreach programs.

In addition to these efforts, the Division has three full-time damage prevention trainers that travel to offices, construction sites and other locations to provide training to stakeholders at no cost. The Division's trainers have educated thousands to date. Should you wish to receive training relative to the law, the Miss Utility process, or the Commission's damage prevention program, please call Tracey Lamb at (804) 371-1588.

SCC DAMAGE PREVENTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE EDUCATION CREDIT PLAN

LOCAL DAMAGE PREVENTION COMMITTEES

C.A.R.E. Art

Links to the images below will open in a new browser window. Right click on the open image and "save as" to your computer. The following images are low resolution files. High resolution images are available. Contact Tracey Lamb at tracey.lamb@scc.virginia.gov for information on how to receive them.

1. CARE Black and White Banner
2. CARE Call Miss Utility
3. CARE Call Miss Utility Banner
4. CARE Logo
5. CARE message
6. CARE black text
7. CARE
8. Dig With CARE Banner Black
9. Dig With CARE
10. Damage Prevention Partner Logo
11. APWA Marking Colors
12. Safety First
13. Small VA Dig With CARE
14. Damage Prevention Partner Logo with quote
15. VA Blue & Red CARE
16. Teal and Yellow Dig with CARE Narrow Banner
17. Teal and Yellow Call 811 Vertical Banner
18. Teal and Yellow CARE Message

Requirements and Best Practices for Trenchless Excavation script
​ (Screen displays marquee of white text on a black background as the opening disclaimer is narrated)

The following presentation is provided solely for educational purposes. The presentation addresses portions of the Virginia Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act, The Virginia State Corporation Commission’s Rules for Enforcement of The Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act, and hand digging “Best Practices.” Nothing contained herein is intended to supersede the existing State law or Commission regulations. Persons seeking a legal reference should utilize the Code of Virginia and the Virginia Administrative Code. The State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) does not assume any responsibility for the acts or conduct resulting from any person who has viewed this presentation.

The Commission does encourage the use of approved technologies and best practices that will enhance damage prevention when using trenchless excavation technologies. Please remember, the Commission does not endorse any product, service, or enterprise associated with this presentation.

(Screen image features slide presentation of utility workers with various large pieces of construction equipment with background music; images include scenes of exposed utility lines and trenchless excavation equipment)

More and more utilities and their contractors install utility lines using trenchless technologies such as horizontal directional drilling and impact moles. Exavators note that the direct costs involved in trenchless excavation may be significantly lower than open cut excavation methods, cause fewer inconveniences to the general public, and may reduce dangers to both workers and the community by virtue of not having open excavation and exposed utility lines.

However, trenchless excavation can present unique challenges for the crews operating the equipment, to avoid damaging existing underground utility lines.

(Slides feature emergency vehicles, news clips of damages to illustrate risk of damaging utility lines)

Damaging an underground utility line could result in liability claims, civil penalties, or punitive actions.

Also, damage may not be detected immediately days, months, or even years later, a damaged utility line could cause environmental problems, property damage, injuries or worse

When conducting trenchless excavation in Virginia you must comply with the requirements of the Virginia Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act (“Act”) and the Virginia State Corporation Commissions Rules for Enforcement of the Act (“Rules”).

It’s the Law!

This video will detail some of the requirements of the Act and the Commission Rules. It will also discuss some additional best practices that may help you minimize damages to underground utility lines.

(Slides continue to present illustrative images - photos, presentation slides, charts - of topics presented via narration as the video clip continues)

Virginia’s damage Prevention message is “Dig With C.A.R.E., Keep Virginia Safe. Any person intending to conduct any type of excavation, such as trenchless excavation, must follow the C.A.R.E. Message:

  

• C. Call Miss Utility at 811 before you dig.
• A. Allow required time for marking.
• R. Respect and protect the marks.
• E. Excavate carefully.

First Call Miss Utility at 811 before you dig.

When you call Miss Utility, the law requires that you provide the following information:

• The name of the person serving notice.
• The specific location of the proposed work.
• The name, address, telephone number, and FAX number, of the excavator or demolisher, to whom notification can be given.
• The excavator's or demolisher's field telephone number, if one is avai
• The type and extent of the proposed work.
• The name of the person for whom the proposed work is being performed.

Make sure you tell Miss Utility that you’ll be performing Trenchless Excavation. Also, be familiar with your excavation site, because Miss Utility may ask for additional information.

After you call, the next step is to Allow the Required Time for utilities to mark their facilities in your excavation area.

Virginia law requires a 48 hour waiting period to allow utility operators time to mark their lines.

The waiting period begins 7am the next working day after you contact Miss Utility.

According to the Damage Prevention law, a working day means every day, except Saturdays, Sundays, and legal state and national holidays.

There are two exceptions when you would not have to wait the entire 48 hour period:

1. if Miss Utility informed you during your initial call that no utilities were in your proposed excavation site, or
2. If you check the Positive Response System and determine that all utility lines have been marked or are not in conflict with your proposed excavation.

This confirmation can be obtained by checking Miss Utility’s Positive Response System at 1-800-552-3120 or receiving information directly from Miss Utility through a faxback, email or other means.

Remember, employees of Miss Utility do not mark utility lines. It is the responsibility of the utility operators to mark their lines.

The life of your Miss Utility ticket is fifteen working days, starting at 7:00 am the next working day after you contact Miss Utility.

Once the applicable utility lines in your project area have been marked, your next responsibility is to “Respect and protect the marks.” Virginia law requires utility operators to mark the approximate horizontal location to within two feet of the underground utility line by means of stakes, paint, flags, or a combination of these.

Underground Utility Lines in Virginia are marked according to the color codes of the American Public Works Association:

• Red marks indicate electric lines…
• Yellow indicates gas and oil pipelines…
• Orange is for communications…
• Blue stands for potable water…
• Purple is for reclaimed water…
• Green is for sewer and drain lines…
• Pink indicates temporary survey markings, and
• White is to identify the area for proposed excavation by the excavator.

(Screen image features residential homes with sprinkler system, shed; screen text displays the following: 'Marking of private utility lines is the responsibility of the owner')

Typically, during the marking process, utility operators will not mark privately-owned lines such as sprinkler systems, or power lines to detached garages and sheds. It is the responsibility of the owner of these lines to locate them, or hire someone to do so.

Additionally, there are unique requirements for sewer system operators to mark sewer lines and connections.

Excavators are also required to take various measures to avoid boring through sewer lines.

Once the site is marked, it is the excavator’s responsibility to protect and preserve the markings from the time excavation or demolition begins until the markings are no longer required for proper and safe excavation.

The final step in the process is to Excavate Carefully.

When conducting trenchless excavation take all reasonable steps to protect and support underground utility lines.

Prior to excavation, conduct a site inspection. Verify you are at the correct location, and verify locate markings to the best of your ability. During this process, check for clear evidence of unmarked utility lines. Clear evidence includes, but is not limited to, visual evidence of an unmarked utility line, knowledge of the presence of a utility line, faded marks from a previous marking, or other available information.

(Screen images reflect workers in safety vests examining paint marks, paperwork, laptop computer, to verify information on marked locations)

You are encouraged to compare the positive responses from your Miss Utility ticket to the actual marks at the excavation site. If they don’t match, this can be an indication that not all utility lines are marked. If you find clear evidence of unmarked utility lines, do not begin your work. Instead, contact Miss Utility and inform them that you have identified clear evidence of an unmarked utility line, and do not begin excavating until three hours after the call was made.

If after three hours no one has responded, you are encouraged to call Miss Utility again.

While checking for unmarked utility lines, give special consideration to private utility lines. The following best practices can help you find them:

1. Review your Miss Utility ticket to see if any utility operators have responded to the Positive Response System, indicating that they marked their utility lines and are aware of the presence of a private utility line.
2. Attempt to contact the homeowner or developer for locations of private utility lines on their property.
3. Look for clear evidence of private utility lines, such as old marks, sprinkler heads, private light poles, meters, cleanouts, valve boxes, satellite dishes, etc.
4. Try to locate private utility line entrance and exit points at the building to exist in determine the route.
5. Look for patches in the pavement that could indicate where private utilities have been previously uncovered.
6. Try to locate private utility lines using available locating equipment.
7. Physically verify the location of the private utility line.

Utilizing trenchless technologies in areas where underground utility lines have not been marked can be extremely dangerous to the equipment operator, the community, and third party repair persons. This is especially true when sewer systems are not marked and unknown to the equipment operator a utility line such as a gas or electric line is bored through a sewer line. This is commonly referred to as a “Cross Bore.”

The presence of another utility line in a sewer line can go undetected for months, or even years. Eventually, a sewer backup develops and a plumber is called to remove the blockage.

(Screen images display cross bored pipes)

It is common practice for plumbers to use a mechanical rotary device to root out the blockage. This process almost always damages any utility line that was unknowingly bored through the sewer line.

During the process of clearing the blockage, a plumber may be electrocuted if an electric utility line is damaged.

(Screen images display emergency vehicles, explosion, news scenes depicting utility damage)

Damaging a gas utility line could result in the escape of volatile gas into the sewer system and then migrate into homes and businesses. This may lead to a catastrophic event such as an explosion resulting in property damage, physical injury, and loss of life.

Therefore, if you are using trenchless technology to install or maintain gas or electric utility lines, you must exercise reasonable care to protect sewer lines and prevent cross bores.

In order to determine if a sewer lateral may be in conflict or impacted by using trenchless technologies -

1. Conduct a visual inspection of the proposed excavation site and determine the probable path of the sewer lateral. During this process you need to check for any evidence of unmarked sewer laterals.
       
       If any evidence of a sewer lateral, such as a cleanout, is discovered, you need to make a reasonable attempt to determine if a tracer wire for the lateral exists;
       
       If a tracer wire exists, use the tracer wire to locate the sewer lateral with locating equipment;
       
       If a tracer wire does not exist, use any evidence and other information provided by the private sewer lateral owner or the sewer system operator including markings or records to determine the path of the sewer lateral and plan your excavation, so as to eliminate or minimize conflict with the sewer line.
2. Meet with the sewer system operator on-site if the sewer system operator has additional information to provide about the location of the private sewer laterals.
3. Use other locating methods such as ground penetrating radar, cameras, fish tapes, or hand digging to locate the laterals.
4. In the event the property is served by a septic or similar private sewer system, work with the property owner to determine its location and protect those lines.
5. Do not use trenchless technology if sewer lines cannot be properly located in your excavation area.

Careful excavation starts with planning. Plan your bore route to minimize conflict with existing underground utility lines, if at all possible.

Once your site inspection is complete, utility markings are verified, and your route is planned, you may set up your equipment.

When using grounding rods, ensure that they are installed at a safe distance from the marked or staked utility lines. 24 inches plus the width of the utility line, if known, is the minimum safe distance.

Install bore equipment stakes at a safe distance from marked utility lines.

Unless prohibited by laws, ordinances, regulations, or rules of governmental and regulatory authorities having jurisdiction, you must use the following procedures before you begin your bore:

(Screen displays workers with shovels digging at site)

1. Expose all utility lines in the bore path by hand digging to establish their location.
2. For a parallel type bore, expose the utility line by hand digging at reasonable distances along the bore path.

When hand digging to expose underground utility lines, excavators are encouraged to use the following hand digging best practices:

Use “soft digging”, or vacuum excavation, where possible.

Use only rounded or blunt-edged tools. The use of axes, posthole diggers, picks, mattocks, probing bars, pry bars, or sharp-shooters may result in damage.

Carefully begin potholing an area to the side of the marked utility line. Keep the face of the shovel parallel with the utility line markings.

Then begin extending the pothole walls toward the utility line markings.

Once the utility line is visible, keep the face of the shovel parallel with the utility line, and use all precautions to remove the soil from around it.

Keep digging until you fully expose the extremities of the utility line.

Protect all exposed utility lines from damage that could result from falling debris, such as rocks, concrete, or compacted soil, or from equipment and persons working in the vicinity.

Remember, according to the Damage Prevention law, mechanized equipment is prohibited from operating within two feet of exposed underground utility lines.

As you prepare to bore, ensure that all potholes are deep enough to fully expose the extremities of the utility line, and to allow sufficient clearance so the drill head will not encroach in the two foot zone.

(Screen displays worker with tape measure verifying hole depth)

Ensure the drill head locating device is functioning properly and within its specification.

Then you can begin the bore.

As a best practice, excavators are encouraged to bore away from existing underground utility lines rather than across them, especially when boring with “Impact Moles.”

Visually check the drill head as it passes through potholes, entrances, and exit pits.

There should be a minimum clearance of 24 inches between the drill head and the existing utility line.

If the depth indicated by the locating device is too low and the drill head does not appear in the pothole, stop boring until the hole can be hand excavated further to maintain a visual inspection of the drill head.

During pullback, make sure sufficient clearance is maintained between the bore path and any underground utility lines.

If utility markings are destroyed or become illegible during your boring operations, do not re-mark them yourself.

Instead, call Miss Utility for a re-mark.

In the event of damage, dislocation or disturbance of any underground utility line including its appurtenances, covering, and coating, in connection with any excavation, the person responsible for the excavation or demolition operations shall immediately notify the operator of the underground utility line.

If the damage, dislocation, or disturbance of the underground utility line creates an emergency, the person responsible for the excavation shall take immediate steps reasonably calculated to safeguard life, health, and property.

If the damage results in the escape of any flammable, toxic, or corrosive gas or liquid …promptly report to the appropriate authorities by calling the 911 emergency telephone number.

Whenever you excavate, remember to dig with C.A.R.E.

Call Miss Utility at 811 before you dig.
Allow the required time for marking.
Respect and protect the marks.
and Excavate carefully.

(Screen displays two brochures containing rules and best practices)

Two booklets can help. The Virginia Professional Excavator’s Manual contains a reproduction of the Act and all the rules and best practices for excavation, including trenchless excavation.

And the Virginia Underground Utility Marking Standards booklet has information you need to know to understand the marking & flagging of underground utility lines.

To get these booklets, call the Virginia State Corporation Commission at 804-371-9980.

 

(Screen is black with white text listing the credits as blues music plays) This presentation produced by the Virginia State Corporation Commission Division of Utility and Railroad Safety.

Special Thanks:
C3 Corporation
City of Virginia Beach – Department of Public Utilities
Consolidated Pipe and Supply, Inc.
Consolidated Utility Services, Inc.
DitchWitch of Virginia
James City Service Authority
KTEN-TV
Southside Virginia Community College, Blackstone, Virginia
The Blue Flames
Town of Altavista – Public Works
Trafford Corporation
Underground Focus Magazine
Vermeer Mid Atlantic, Inc.
Virginia Utility Protection Service Inc

Cast: Bill Williams
Chris Tomlin
Doug Davis
Douglas Burdett
Keith Mason
Mark Temple
Mickey Wright
Rick Blazer
Robbie Royster
Tim Alexander

SETTLEMENT AGENT OFFICIAL REGISTRATION FORM FOR A TITLE AGENT

On 811 Day, the SCC Reminds Virginians to Take the First Step and Contact 811 Before You Dig 

GENERAL:

Va. Code § 56-265.16:1.E states that "a notification center shall maintain a positive response system in accordance with notification center certification regulations promulgated by the State Corporation Commission."

The purpose of the positive response system is to provide a means of communication for excavators and operators relative to underground utility lines near a proposed excavation.

To check the status of your ticket, call the positive response system toll free: 1-800-552-3120.

Positive Response Codes - Effective November 27, 2013

The following is a list of positive response codes that are used in conjunction with the positive response system to communicate the marking status of a ticket:

10 Marked. Code 10 shall be used when all utility lines within the area of proposed excavation have been marked.
11 Marked; abandoned utility lines may be in area. Code 11 shall be used when all utility lines within the area of proposed excavation have been marked and the operator/locator is aware of the presence of abandoned utility lines.
12 Marked up to privately owned utility; contact private utility owner for locate. Code 12 shall be used when all utility lines within the area of proposed excavation have been marked and the operator/locator is aware of the presence of a private utility line.
13 Marked up to privately owned utility; contact private utility owner for locate. Abandoned utility lines may be in area. Code 13 shall be used when all utility lines within the area of proposed excavation have been marked and the operator/locator is aware of the presence of both private utility lines and abandoned utility lines.
30 No conflict; utility is outside of stated work area. Code 30 shall be used when the operator/locator has determined that no utility lines are in the area of proposed excavation as delineated on the ticket. When the operator/locator has marked facilities that are outside of the area of proposed excavation as delineated on the ticket, in compliance with State Corporation Commission Rule 20VAC5-309-110 I, the operator/locator shall respond to the excavator – operator information exchange system with Code 30.
31 No conflict; utility is outside of stated work area. Abandoned utility lines may be in area. Code 31 shall be used when the operator/locator has determined that no utility lines are in the area of proposed excavation as delineated on the ticket and the operator/locator is aware of the presence of abandoned utility lines in the area of proposed excavation as delineated on the ticket. When the operator/locator has marked facilities that are outside of the area of proposed excavation as delineated on the ticket, in compliance with State Corporation Commission Rule 20VAC5-309-110 I, the operator/locator shall respond to the excavator – operator information exchange system with Code 31.
32 No conflict; privately owned utility on property. Contact private utility owner for locate. Code 32 shall be used when the operator/locator has determined that no utility lines are in the area of proposed excavation as delineated on the ticket and the operator/locator is aware of the presence of private utility lines in the area of proposed excavation as delineated on the ticket. When the operator/locator has marked facilities that are outside of the area of proposed excavation as delineated on the ticket, in compliance with State Corporation Commission Rule 20VAC5-309-110 I, the operator/locator shall respond to the excavator – operator information exchange system with Code 32.
33 No conflict; privately owned utility on property. Contact private utility owner for locate. Abandoned utility lines may be in area. Code 33 shall be used when the operator/locator has determined that no utility lines are in the area of proposed excavation as delineated on the ticket and the operator/locator is aware of the presence of both private utility lines and abandoned utility lines in the area of proposed excavation as delineated on the ticket. When the operator/locator has marked facilities that are outside of the area of proposed excavation as delineated on the ticket, in compliance with State Corporation Commission Rule 20VAC5-309-110 I, the operator/locator shall respond to the excavator – operator information exchange system with Code 33.
40 Agreed to a meeting as proposed by excavator. Code 40 shall be used in response to a meeting notice when the operator/locator agrees to a meeting at the specific time and location proposed by the excavator. The meeting must take place by 7:00 a.m. on the third working day following the meeting notice.
41 Mutually agreed to alternative meeting time and location. Code 41 shall be used when an operator/locator is unable to attend a meeting as proposed by the excavator. The operator/locator shall set up a mutually agreeable time and location to meet no later than 7:00 AM on the third working day following the meeting notice. Both excavator and operator/locator are encouraged to document the arrangements.
50 Installation records, maps or other documents have been provided. Code 50 shall be used in response to a designer ticket when the designer does not request field markings to be placed. The information provided by the operator/locator may include, but is not limited to, maps, surveys, installation records, as-built records, or other means.
51 Records or information regarding private sewer laterals have been provided. Code 51 shall be used for any of the following conditions:
    When a sewer system operator has provided to the excavator copies of the best reasonably available records regarding the location of private sewer laterals by electronic message, mail, facsimile, or other delivery methods.
    If the sewer system operator has no such records, but has notified the excavator of additional information about the location of private sewer laterals.
    If the excavation area affects 25 or more private sewer laterals, and the sewer system operator provides records regarding the location of private sewer laterals within 15 working days, or another mutually agreeable time. Both sewer system operator and excavator are encouraged to document the agreement in writing (electronic or paper).
52 Records regarding private sewer laterals have been provided on an accessible electronic system. Code 52 shall be used when the sewer system operator has provided the best reasonably available records regarding the location of private sewer laterals on the Internet or another readily accessible electronic system. If the system’s location is unknown to the excavator, the excavator shall contact the operator to determine the system’s location and how to retrieve the records.
53 Agreed to an on-site meeting to provide additional information regarding private sewer laterals. Code 53 shall be used when a sewer system operator has agreed to meet the excavator on-site because the sewer system operator has no records regarding the location of private sewer laterals, but the sewer system operator has additional information to convey to the excavator.
60 Locator and excavator agreed and documented marking schedule. Code 60 shall be used when an operator/locator has contacted the excavator and the excavator has agreed to an alternate marking schedule. Operator/locator must document agreement in writing (electronic or paper) to include, at a minimum, full name of excavator representative agreeing to the schedule, the excavator’s phone number, excavator’s signature if possible, reasons for the marking schedule, and date and time of the agreement. The operator/locator must provide the name of the excavator’s representative agreeing to the alternate marking schedule to VUPS’ Positive Response System with the use of Code 60.
70 Critical facility marked. In case of dredging, the approximate horizontal location of the utility line has been identified. Operator must be present during dredging or other forms of excavation or demolition operations.
    Code 70 shall only be used when such operations are performed in such proximity to a critical facility that it may be destroyed, damaged, dislocated, or disturbed. If only part of the work area defined on the Miss Utility Ticket requires the operator’s presence, it shall be the operator’s responsibility to notify the excavator, clearly delineate when the operator’s presence will be required and document in writing (electronic or paper), the notification to include, at a minimum, full name of excavator representative, the excavator’s phone number, excavator’s signature if possible, and the date and time of the notification. When the operator has indicated its presence is required, it shall be the excavator’s responsibility to notify the operator in advance of excavation in that part of the work area, and document in writing (electronic or paper), the notification to include, at a minimum, full name of operator representative, the operator’s phone number, operator’s signature if possible, and date and time of the notification to the operator. In the case of dredging, an acceptable means of identifying and or marking the approximate horizontal location of the underground utility line must be determined and that information must be provided to the person intending to dredge. For other forms of excavation or demolition, the underground utility line(s) shall be marked. When an operator/locator responds to a ticket with a Code 70, it shall be the operator/locator’s responsibility to provide the excavator/dredger with the appropriate name and preferred contact information, i.e. telephone number, facsimile (“Fax”) number, email address and or mailing address, for the excavator/dredger to use to inform the operator of the date and time when the dredging or other forms of excavation operations will commence.
71 Critical facility not marked; locator or utility operator must contact excavator and must be present during excavation.
    Code 71 shall only be used when the operator’s presence is necessary during the excavation due to the fact that the underground utility line is of such importance to national security that marking it in accordance with the Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act is not appropriate. The operator must be present during excavation or demolition operations when such operations are performed in such proximity to a critical facility that it may be destroyed, damaged, dislocated, or disturbed. If only part of the work area defined on the Miss Utility Ticket requires the operator’s presence, it shall be the operator’s responsibility to notify the excavator, clearly delineate when the operator’s presence will be required and document in writing (electronic or paper), the notification to include, at a minimum, full name of excavator representative, the excavator’s phone number, excavator’s signature if possible, and the date and time of the notification. When the operator has indicated its presence is required, it shall be the excavator’s responsibility to notify the operator in advance of excavation in that part of the work area, and document in writing (electronic or paper), the notification to include, at a minimum, full name of operator representative, the operator’s phone number, operator’s signature if possible, and date and time of the notification to the operator. When an operator/locator responds to a ticket with Code 71, it shall be the locator/operator’s responsibility to provide the excavator with the appropriate name and contact information for the excavator to use to inform the operator of the date and time when excavation will commence.
80 The status of the utility line has been determined to be abandoned. Code 80 shall be used by an operator when the operator has determined the status of a utility line is abandoned.
81 Mutually agreed to an alternative time to determine if the utility line is abandoned. Code 81 shall be used when an excavator and operator have negotiated a mutually agreeable time period in excess of 27 hours for the operator to provide information relative to an abandoned utility line if site conditions prohibit the operator from making such a determination or extraordinary circumstances exist. The operator shall notify the excavator of the date and time when the status of the utility line will be determined. However, the deferral to determine the status of the utility line shall be no longer than 96 hours from 7 a.m. on the next working day following the excavator's additional notice to the notification center.
82 The utility line in question does not belong to this operator. Code 82 shall be used when an operator has determined that the alleged abandoned utility line is not owned by that operator.
90 Locator could not gain access to property; locator will contact excavator. When an operator/locator responds to a ticket with Code 90, it shall be the operator/locator’s responsibility to contact and inform the excavator of their inability to gain access to the property to mark the area of excavation. The operator/locator must provide the name of the excavator’s representative that they contacted to VUPS’ Positive Response System with the use of Code 90. It shall be the excavator’s responsibility to make the property accessible to the operator/locator and call a new ticket for those operators who initially responded to the ticket with a Code 90, if necessary.
91 Incorrect address information; please call Miss Utility and provide correct information. Code 91 shall be used when the excavator has provided incorrect address information to the notification center. The operator/locator shall make a reasonable attempt to contact the excavator to verify the address information before the placement of this code. It shall be the excavator’s responsibility to verify the address information and call the notification center to request a new ticket with the correct information.
93 Scope of work is too large; please call Miss Utility to reschedule. Code 93 shall be used when the area of proposed excavation exceeds the limits of a work area as defined in § 56-265.17 F. It shall be the excavator’s responsibility to call the notification center and request a new ticket or tickets that complies with § 56-265.17 F
94 Location of proposed work is unclear; please call Miss Utility and provide the specific location on a new ticket. Code 94 shall be used when the operator/locator is unable to determine the area of proposed excavation according to the specific location delineated on the ticket. The operator/locator must make a reasonable attempt to contact the excavator to clarify the specific location of where the excavation is planned. It shall be the excavator's responsibility to call the notification center and request a new ticket with a specific location of proposed excavation if the original area is insufficient.
96 No response required from this terminal. Code 96 shall be used if no response is required from a specific terminal ID code. If an operator has multiple terminal codes that overlap, they may choose to use Code 96 to display that a certain terminal is not responding. If a ticket is cancelled, the operator/locator shall use this code to respond. (VUPS will not post responses on a cancelled ticket to the Positive Response system.) If a ticket is transmitted to an operator/locator’s terminal, but field markings are performed by another person under contract with the operator, Code 96 may be used by the operator/locator to convey that they will not respond. The person responsible for marking the utility line is required¹ to update to the positive response system with the current marking status. Operators/locators are encouraged to document the reason that no response was required.
97 Extraordinary circumstances exist. Code 97 is only used in the event that extraordinary circumstances exist. These circumstances may include: floods, snow, ice storms, tornadoes, earthquakes, other natural disasters, blackouts, and massive computer network failures. In addition to Locator Response Codes entered by Miss Utility’s member operators or their contract locators, the Positive Response System generates the following automated responses when applicable:
000 No Response. This is an automated place holder generated by Miss Utility's Positive Response System that indicates the member operator has not yet responded and the ticket's due by date and time has not yet passed. Once a response is posted by the member operator or the due by date and time has passed, the code is removed.
888 Ticket Has Been Cancelled. This is an automated response generated by Miss Utility's Positive Response System when a ticket is cancelled by the person who requested it. Once this response is posted, the system will not accept any further response from any member operator or their contract locator.
999 Has Not Responded. This is an automated response generated by Miss Utility's Positive Response System for Normal, Update, Remark, Designer and Meeting tickets immediately after the due by date and time has passed and a member operator or its contract locator has failed to post a response code to the Positive Response System. A “No Show” ticket is transmitted by Miss Utility to the member operator as the response 999 is posted to the system.

Inquiries concerning the Response Codes:

To report a problem or make a general inquiry regarding the use of the Response Codes, contact the State Corporation Commission’s Division of Utility and Railroad Safety:

Call: 1-800-552-7945 or 804-371-9563
Email: vadamageprevention@scc.virginia.gov
Write: Damage Prevention Investigator
Division of Utility and Railroad Safety
State Corporation Commission
P.O. Box 1197
Richmond, Virginia 23218

¹ In the event that the person responsible for marking the utility line is the same as the person requesting the ticket, an additional response is not required.

Get online access to rules, guides, best practices, laws, notification and marking requirements related to Undergound Damage Prevention. Avoid damage by following Miss Utility requirements.