Fines begin for damage to utility lines

A "construction boom" is usually something positive, but when the "boom" follows a natural-gas-line break that occurs during construction, then it could be something tragic instead.

A series of such breaks has been reported in recent weeks, although so far without the kind of catastrophic explosion that can occur.

"It seems like there's been a real run in the last couple of days" of gas lines broken by excavation, said Gary Mahugh, Creston fire department chief. Sheriff's logs show fire departments dispatched to broken lines just about daily; sometimes two or three are reported a day.

Not only is there potential for extensive damage or death, there is also now a mandatory fee for people who damage underground utilities because they haven't taken the trouble to map out where they are.

The new state law took effect Saturday, imposing fees that must be paid to utility companies when digging causes damages.

It calls for a fine of 25 percent of repair costs, up to $125 for the first incident. A second problem by the same person or company means paying 50 percent of repair costs, up to $500. Subsequent incidents result in $1,000 fees.

Prevention is simple, Mahugh said.

"If you're going to be doing some digging, you need to pre-plan," he said.

That means calling the U-DIG utilities consortium at 755-8344. At no charge, companies will locate all underground utilities in the area where excavation is planned.

It's not just for construction companies digging to lay a foundation. People tilling their yard for a new garden should also call, said Jack Kovacich, Kalispell area manager for NorthWestern Energy, the gas company.

By law, the service must locate underground lines within two full working days of a request. That means that if someone calls on Tuesday, the information must be available by Friday, Kovacich said.

The local service handles about 12,000 requests a year, he said.

People who believe they know where lines are buried, who believe lines are buried more deeply than they are, or who are in a hurry to excavate before winter arrives can wind up in serious trouble.

"The unwanted release of gas has the potential for very serious consequences," Kovacich said.

"There is potential for explosion," Mahugh said.

For that reason, fire departments often "evacuate a fairly large area," particularly when major distribution lines are damaged.

Four people were hurt and several homes damaged in an explosion in Livingston on Sept. 15. A damaged gas line is suspected in that incident.

Authorities say that the first call after a line break should be to 911, which will dispatch the nearest fire department, and sometimes, a hazardous-materials team. If the digger doesn't call the utility company, emergency services will.

Broken gas lines can keep fire departments tied up for hours as the lines need to be completely repaired or the gas shut off before firefighters can leave, Mahugh said.

It's crucial that anyone who hits a line call for help, even if the line doesn't break, Kovacich said. No one should try to control a natural-gas leak, he said, and once authorities are called, everyone should stay away from the leak.

The prospect of a fine shouldn't deter people from calling, even if a line is just nicked.

Sometimes just a simple disturbance of line can cause leaks that, even years later, can lead to great damage, Kovacich said.

"An investigation is going to reveal who was digging in the area," he said. Calling for help protects diggers from greater liability later.

The simplest protection is to call U-DIG first and wait for professionals to mark underground gas, cable, phone, and electrical lines.

Once those "locaters" are in place, they're good for 30 days. After 30 days, they should be re-marked, Kovacich said.

"They should take no chances," he said.

Reporter Chery Sabol may be reached at 758-4441 or by e-mail at csabol@dailyinterlake.com