A Montana construction company has been fined $500 for a violation of North Dakota’s “call before you dig” law.
Energy company Kinder-Morgan filed the complaint against Crawford Construction Company, for work being done in the Bowman area. The complaint alleged Crawford failed to renew a location request prior to the expiration of its original request.
"The tickets are good for 21 days, but then they expire," said Public Service Commission chairman Brian Kroshus. "If the work isn't completed, whether it hasn't started or the company needs additional time, operators do need to get a re-locate ticket for that area."
Kroshus said fortunately, no underground facilities were damaged.
"However, there was a twelve-inch natural gas pipeline in the area," Kroshus said. "We're talking very high risk."
Kroshus said this is the first complaint against Crawford Construction – so the fine is low. But he said it is a reminder of the need to make that call before excavation starts.