Three companies that were alleged to have violated North Dakota’s “Call-Before-You-Dig” law face fines, under what the Public Service Commission calls an “Order on Default.”
In other words, complaints were filed against the companies in question, and when PSC staff tried to contact them, there was no response.
R. J. Corman Derailment Services was fined $500. Kollman Construction faces a $1000 penalty. And Bulldog Concrete will have to pay $1500. All started digging before making that call.
"It does beg the question -- if they haven't talked to us, are they going to pay the fine," Public Service Commissioner Brian Kalk said. "For companies that are fined but don't pay, we now have a collection company that is available to us."
Kalk said he's hoping the companies will take this seriously, and pay the fines.
Corman had the lowest fine, because it was the company’s first offense – and no damages were done. Kollman had a higher fine, because of damage. And Bulldog not only caused damage, it is a repeat offender.