Private Facilities: Are They On Your Property?

Details

Created: Wednesday, 07 March 2018 12:58

Written by Lareina Taing

Private underground facilities, also called customer-owned facilities, may be found anywhere, including your excavation site. Chapter 216D requires operators of lines buried in the public right-of-way to register with Gopher State One Call (GSOC), so these lines will be marked as the result of a locate request. Privately-owned facilities, like utility lines that serve heaters for hot tubs, gas barbecues, electric security lighting, invisible dog fences, farm taps, buried sprinklers systems, and many others, are not marked when locators respond to your GSOC request, since they are the owner’s responsibility. Let's take a look at some common types of private underground facilities.

Read more ...

Minnesota Damage Prevention Meetings 2018

Details

Created: Tuesday, 20 February 2018 08:53

Written by Lareina Taing

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 excavating 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 issues found in the field, and excavation rules and regulations in Minnesota.

So far in 2018, there are 25 meetings scheduled across the state, with more to be scheduled in April. Read more to see the dates and locations.

Read more ...

Utility Markings in Snow

Details

Created: Tuesday, 20 February 2018 08:03

Written by Lareina Taing

After filing a locate request with Gopher State One Call (GSOC), we notify the facility operators who have asked to receive requests for locates in the proposed excavation area. These facility operators dispatch locators to the site who mark the location of utilities with different colored paint or flags that correspond to specific utility types.

During the winter months, new or melting snow and ice can affect the visibility of locate marks. Always check the status of your ticket in GSOC’s Positive Response system before beginning your excavation to make sure all affected facility operators have responded. It’s easy! Just go to http://www.gopherstateonecall.org/ , click on the green Search for a Ticket (Search and Status) button, and then enter your ticket number and the state where excavation will take place.

Read more ...

Presidents Day closure - Monday Feb, 19th

Details

Created: Friday, 02 February 2018 11:28

Written by Gopher State One Call

We will be taking calls for emergency locates only on Monday, February 19th in observance of Presidents Day, but remember, you can file a ticket online 24/7. NOTE: Monday will not count towards your standard 48 hour notice when filing a locate, so please plan accordingly.

Winter Safety Tips

Details

Created: Wednesday, 31 January 2018 10:52

Written by Lareina Taing

Gopher State One Call (GSOC) consistently strives to promote the message of safety to all Minnesotans. Winter often brings severe storms and frigid temperatures. Stay safe and healthy by planning ahead. No matter how many Minnesota winters you’ve endured, keeping these important tips in mind will help you get safely through this winter:

Read more ...