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Fargo construction firm fined $10,000 for one call violations

A Fargo construction firm has been fined $10,000 for violations of North Dakota’s “one call” excavation law.

The Public Service Commission said Xcel Energy filed seven separate complaints against Master Construction for work done in the city of Fargo. PSC Chairman Brian Kroshus said Xcel reported damage to some of its 5/8 inch natural gas lines.

"The complaint is that Master failed to conduct excavation in a careful and prudent manner," Kroshus said.

The Commission did not suspend any of the fine – because Master has had past cases of not following the “one call” law.

Kroshus said he is strongly urging the construction company to work with the “one call” organization. He said the group provides training on what contractors should and shouldn’t do.

"We're talking about safety," Kroshus said. "When you're hitting natural gas lines, that's a very dangerous situation. And with this occurring repeatedly, something isn't working on their end."

The PSC also levied a $3,400 fine against a Minnesota construction company for similar “one call” violations in Fargo. But Kroshus said $1,000 was suspended, because Gladen Construction is a first-time offender.

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