Author: GSOC
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The 811 Run Returns to MN
To celebrate 811 Day, the 811 Run is returning to Minnesota! The event promotes the “Call or Click Before You Dig” message, and all proceeds go to Twin Cities Firefighters Operation Warm, an organization that provides winter coats to children in need. Gopher State One Call (GSOC) is a proud sponsor of this family-friendly event…
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Staking University at GSOC – Recap and upcoming events
On May 22-23, 2017, Gopher State One Call (GSOC) hosted a two-day Locator Certification Seminar (LCS) taught by Staking University (Staking U) instructor John Foster. John estimated that the LCS included 75% of hands-on training, with 25% of classroom education. Students went outside to locate a variety of different underground electric, telecommunications, water, and gas…
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Why Are There Flags And Paint In My Yard?
Updated: Wednesday, March 26, 2025 At some point in time, either in your yard or around town, you’ve probably noticed small colored flags and spray paint marking the ground. The flags and paint mark are used to mark where underground utilities are located and are most often used when someone is planning to dig. Getting…
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Radon – An Underground Danger
Striking an underground pipeline or cable can result in an array of consequences, but did you know that there are non-excavation related underground dangers? One prime example is an odorless, colorless gas named “radon”. “Radon…forms naturally from the decay (breaking down) of radioactive elements, such as uranium, which are found in different amounts in soil…
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Spring and Summer Safety Tips
Gopher State One Call (GSOC) consistently strives to promote the message of safety to all Minnesotans. Now that the temperatures are rising, it is important to be aware of spring and summer safety concerns. This time of the year often brings warmth and sunshine, but can also bring sunburn, heat exhaustion, and other safety hazards.…
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April Safe Digging Month – National Recap
Minnesota On April 7th, 2017, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton signed a safe digging proclamation to help focus public attention on this issue. Mike Mendiola with the Minnesota Office of Pipeline Safety (MNOPS), a professional in the underground damage prevention industry, arranged the signing. The proclamation encourages everyone to contact Gopher State One Call (GSOC) at least 48…
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Visit Staking University at GSOC
On May 22-23, 2017, Gopher State One Call (GSOC) will host a two-day Locator Certification Seminar (LCS) taught by a Staking University (Staking U) instructor. Founded in 1999, Staking U established the first year-round training program to educate and certify locators on locating equipment and best practices. The LCS will include classroom and outdoor…
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Spring Safe Digging Reminders
Gopher State One Call (GSOC) consistently strives to promote the message of safety to all Minnesotans. Now that the temperatures are rising, it is important to be aware of spring and summer safety concerns. This time of the year often brings warmth and sunshine, but can also bring sunburn, heat exhaustion, and other safety hazards.…
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Celebrate NSDM this April!
April is an important month in the damage prevention industry. Since 2007, the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate has recognized April as National Safe Digging Month (NSDM), which makes 2017 the 10th anniversary of this significant acknowledgment. Throughout April, Gopher State One Call (GSOC), the Minnesota Regional Common Ground Alliance (MNCGA), and the…
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MNOPS 2017 Stakeholder Review Meetings
MS216D Stakeholder Review meetings will be held throughout 2017 to allow stakeholders in the Minnesota underground utility community to come together and provide feedback on the state’s current one call laws. The Minnesota Of ce of Pipeline Safety (MNOPS) holds these meetings to initiate discussions about stakeholder desired changes to the law during the…