Every year, the Minnesota Common Ground Alliance (MNCGA), the Minnesota Office of Pipeline Safety (MNOPS), and Gopher State One Call (GSOC) work with local utility coordinating committees to host free damage prevention meetings throughout March and April. These educational meetings review safe digging practices designed to protect our state’s underground infrastructure. They provide important reminders for the excavating public before the spring digging season begins.

During the meetings, each of the three sponsors focus on different areas. The MNCGA encourages industry stakeholders to join their organization to help raise damage prevention awareness, while GSOC covers any processing changes, updates, and common mistakes or errors made on locate tickets. MNOPS elaborates on case studies, frequent complications found in the eld, and excavation rules and regulations in Minnesota.

In 2017, there will be 32 meetings held throughout the state. To see dates and locations select the read more link below.

 

Crookston Area 2/28/17 11:30am	Winona Area 3/7/17 7:00am	Worthington Area 3/14/17 10:30am	Duluth Area 3/24/17 6:30am	New York Mills/Perham Area 4/4/17 5:30pm
Shakopee 3/2/17 7:30am	Andover Area 3/8/17 7:15am	Hinckley Area 3/15/17 7:30am	Alexandria Area 3/24/17 6:30am	Park Rapids 4/6/17 10:00am
Hutchinson 3/2/17 8:30m	Owatonna 3/8/17 9:00am	Marshall Area 3/21/17 7:00am	Mankato Area 3/28/17 8:30am	Grand Rapids 4/11/17 7:30am
New Ulm 3/3/17 8:30am	Lakeville 3/9/17 7:30am	Brainerd Area 3/22/17 7:00am	Willmar/Spicer Area 3/29/17 6:30am	International Falls 4/25/17 5:30pm
Virginia/Hibbing Area 3/6/17 7:30am	Rochester 3/9/17 9:30am	Morris Area 3/23/17 6:30am	St. Cloud/Foley Area 3/30/17 6:30am	Baudette 4/26/17 5:30pm
Two Harbors Area 3/7/17 7:00am	Austin/Albert Lea 3/10/17 7:30am	Brooklyn Park 3/23/17 7:30am	Oakdale 3/30/17 7:30am	Roseu/Warroad 4/27/17 5:30pm

 

*There will be two upcoming meetings held in Bemidji and Thief River Falls. Dates and times are TBD. Stay tuned on the MNCGA website for additional details when they become available. 

Click HERE to register for a damage prevention meeting!

With an increase in the number of excavation projects and people entering the industry, it is more important than ever to exercise safe digging practices daily. Every excavation project, large or small, requires a “click or call” to GSOC. Stay safe by contacting GSOC 48 hours, excluding weekends and holidays, before you begin digging. Get ready for the spring excavation season by registering for a damage prevention meeting today!