Utility Locate Policy

Op11.08 Utility Locate Policy

1. Purpose

This policy establishes the requirement for utility location prior to any excavation, construction, or related activities on all property owned or controlled by Missouri State University (MSU). It is intended to promote the safety of personnel, students, faculty, and visitors; prevent damage to underground utility infrastructure; and comply with state and federal regulations.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all departments, Contractors, subcontractors, and any individuals or organizations performing any form of excavation, digging, drilling, or any activities that may disrupt the ground surface on any MSU-owned or leased property.

3. Definitions

• Contractor: Any external entity contracted by, or at, MSU to perform services or construction on MSU property.
• Excavation: Any activity involving the removal of earth, rock, or other materials from the ground by means such as digging, trenching, boring, drilling, or grading.
• Utility Location: The process of identifying and marking underground utilities such as electrical lines, gas lines, water pipes, telecommunication cables, and other utility services.

4. Policy

4.1 Utility Location Requirement
Before commencing any excavation or ground-disturbing activities on MSU property, the Excavator must ensure that Utility Location services are performed. The following steps must be taken:

1. Contact Missouri811:
   1. Routine Utility Location Requests: At least three (3), and no more than ten (10), business days prior to the commencement of any planned excavation, the Contractor, or MSU department must contact Missouri811 to request Utility Location services. Contact may be made by calling 811 or 1-800-DIG-RITE (344-7483) or submitting an online request at https://missouri-811.org/. Missouri811 will send an email notification for routine locate requests
   2. Emergency Utility Location Requests: In the event of an emergency repair, call 811. Emergency Utility Locations are completed within 4 hours of the call.
2. MSU Notification:
   1. Routine Utility Location Requests: Missouri811 will notify MSU, so no direct notification to MSU is required. However, as a courtesy and for coordination purposes, Excavators should advise their Project Manager if working with Planning, Design and Construction, or the Utility Manager in Facilities Management for all other situations. This does not relieve the excavator from the requirement of notifying Missouri811.
   2. Emergency Utility Location Requests: In the event of an emergency Utility Location Request, call the Power House at (417) 836-5133 in addition to calling 811.
3. Utility Location Documentation: The party responsible for the Excavation must ensure all located utilities are properly marked and documented. Facilities Management or Telecommunications will reach out to the Excavator via the Locate Coordinator, Project Technician, or MSU team member when locates are completed.
4. Fees: There is not a charge for using the Missouri811 system, however, Facilities Management/Networking and Telecommunications may charge departments and Contractors for locating costs when marking is required outside normal business hours when it could have been avoided.

4.2 Compliance with Missouri State Law

All excavation and related activities must adhere to the Missouri Underground Facility Safety and Damage Prevention Act (RSMo 319.010 to 319.050).

4.3 Additional Safety Measures

If the Utility Location indicates the presence of an underground utility, additional safety measures must be taken in coordination with the appropriate utility company and the Office of Facilities Management. These measures may include:

• Hand digging or vacuum excavation near utility lines.
• Temporary shutdown of utilities where necessary.
• Monitoring by utility representatives during excavation.

5. Utility Color Codes

Markings will comply with the American Public Works Association (APWA) Uniform Color Codes for temporary marking of underground utilities, which are:

• Blue – Potable Water
• Green – Sewers and Drain Lines
• Orange – Communication, Alerm or Signal lines, Cables or Conduit
• Pink – Temporary Survey Markings
• Purple – Reclaimed Water, Irrigation, District Chilled Water, and Slurry Lines
• Red – Electric Power Lines, Cables, Conduit and Lightning Cables
• White – Proposed Excavation
• Yellow – Gas, Oil, Steam, Petroleum, or Gaseous Materials

6. Responsibility

• Office of Facilities Management and Telecommunications: Oversees the implementation of this policy and ensures compliance. Facilities Management maintains records of all Utility Location requests on MSU property.
• Departments/Contractors: Responsible for initiating Utility Location requests and following all guidelines outlined in this policy before beginning any Excavation work.
• Contractor Safety Requirements: Contractors are required to follow all applicable federal, state, and local safety regulations, including those relating to Utility Location, and must provide proof of Utility Location services upon request.

7. Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with this policy may result in:

• Delays in project timelines.
• Fines or penalties imposed by state or local authorities.
• Liability for any damages caused to underground utilities.
• Disciplinary action for employees or contract sanctions for Contractors involved.