One thing you can count on from Arizona State Senator John Kavanagh is his passion for proposing unnecessary bills mandating behavior that simply seems like common sense. Last week, Governor Doug Ducey signed one of those bills, SB1163, into law.
The new law requires the person responsible for damage to notify 911 if the damage results in release of hazardous gases or liquids. Prior to this bill, 911 notification was not required if someone hit an underground gas line while digging.
“In a case where there is damage of this kind, it is critical for quick action to maintain the public’s safety.” said Commission Pipeline Safety Director Robert Miller. “This is something that just makes good sense.”
Current law requires homeowners and contractors contact Arizona 811 (formerly Blue Stake) prior to digging. Calling 811 before digging will give utilities time to come to the property and mark where their lines run to avoid damage. Several utility lines including gas, cable, and electric run underground. Hitting one can result in serious injury or death. The new law requiring emergency personnel be notified in gas line damage greatly reduces the chances for injury or long term outages.