The city recognizes its obligation mandated by the National Gas Pipeline Safety Act of 1968 (49 U.S.C. 1672(a)(2)) to have a damage prevention program to reduce the risk of excavation damage to buried gas pipelines in populated areas.

(Ord. 200, Sec. 1)

This article provides rules and regulations to meet the above stated requirements.

(Ord. 200, Sec. 2)

The city recognizes that excavators may contract their business within the city; therefore, the following procedure shall be followed:

(a)   This article shall be published in the official city newspaper and shall constitute notice to all persons of the requirements.

(b)   A copy of this article and any additional regulations shall be provided to all local known excavators.

(c)   A copy of this article and any regulations allowed thereto shall be provided an applicant for an excavation permit.

(Ord. 200, Sec. 3)

Excavation Activities shall mean any excavation, including, but not limited to, excavation for any building, structure, underground line, pole, tower foundation, as well as blasting, boring, tunneling, backfilling, and including removal of any above or below ground structure by either explosives or mechanical means, as well as any other earth moving operation.

(Ord. 200, Sec. 4)

(a)   This article is applicable to the location of all gas lines located on public right-of-ways, or city owned easements or property.

(b)   This article does not pertain to the privately owned gas service lines.

(c)   The city will provide the location of all gas lines on public right-of-way and/or city owned easements and property upon request after the application for same has been requested under the provisions outlined in this article.

(Ord. 200, Secs. 5:6)

Any person desiring to excavate near a gas line shall observe the following:

(a)   Apply for a permit from the city clerk, with a payment therefore in the amount of $25. The permit to be issued in duplicate. The original to remain filed in the city clerk’s office and the duplicate furnished the contractor requesting the permit.

(b)   The permit shall contain, but not be limited to the following information:

(1)   Name and address of applicant.

(2)   Time and date of commencement of activities.

(3)   Date of application.

(4)   Telephone number of applicant.

(5)   Description of project, including footage involved if applicable.

(6)   Estimated time and date for completion of project.

(7)   Evidence of insurance coverage.

(8)   Dates of inspection by the city and final approval date by the city.

(Ord. 200, Sec. 7)

(a)   If blasting is required on the project, a special insurance policy, provided by the applicant, shall be provided in an amount designated by the city.

(b)   If permission is granted for blasting, the applicant must provide a leak detection survey which will be performed prior to acceptance by the city.

(Ord. 200, Sec. 8; Code 1992)

The city will provide one hour of inspection at no cost to the excavating applicant. The applicant is thereafter required to pay to the city the sum of $10 for each hour of inspection after the first hour.

(Ord. 200, Sec. 9)

The city does provide on call service in and after normal working periods by requests made to the city marshal and/or sheriff’s department.

(Ord. 200, Sec. 10)

All excavators requiring a permit under the provisions of this article shall provide or have on file with the city, insurance coverage in the following amounts:

(a)   $300,000 general liability single limit or $100,000/$300,000 for bodily injury and $100,000 property damage. Completed operation coverage in the amounts outlined above.

(b)   The insurance coverage shall provide for a 10 days notice of cancellation to the city.

(Ord. 200, Sec. 11)