Sponsor Statement for SB 330

Underground Locate Standards

Senate Bill 330 was introduced at the request of the Alaska Telephone Association to provide an understanding of the standards and responsibilities for locating and excavating underground facilities throughout the state for utilities and contractors.

SB 330 amends AS 42.30 to set out responsibilities for excavators, construction project owners and underground facility owners when a locate is requested. It provides for penalties, including treble damages, if an excavator knowingly or intentionally damages a located underground facility.

Although the Alaska Public Utilities Commission has the authority to create locate standards, it has been a low priority item due to the commission’s workload.

(See AS 42.05.141 and AS 42.05.291(c)).

Currently, there are some national standards related to the issue of locating and uncovering underground utilities, but nothing as comprehensive as SB 330.